In a move set to benefit millions of passengers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed sweeping changes to India’s air ticket refund and cancellation norms, including a new rule that will allow passengers to cancel or amend flight tickets within 48 hours of booking without any additional charges.
According to the draft notification, airlines will be required to offer a “Look-in option” for 48 hours after ticket purchase, during which travellers can cancel or modify their bookings without penalty, apart from paying the prevailing fare difference for any revised flight.
Airlines to Bear Refund Responsibility
The DGCA has also proposed that in cases where tickets are purchased through travel agents or portals, the responsibility of issuing refunds will rest with the airlines, as agents act as their appointed representatives. Refunds must be processed within 21 working days, ensuring faster redressal for passengers.
Name Correction and Medical Cancellations
Under the proposed rules, airlines will no longer be allowed to charge passengers for correcting name errors — provided the correction request is made within 24 hours of booking. Additionally, the regulator suggested that passengers facing medical emergencies should be given the option of a refund or credit shell, offering flexibility during unforeseen circumstances.
Exceptions and Timelines
The “no-charge” 48-hour window will apply only to tickets booked directly through airline websites, and not to those for flights departing within 5 days (domestic) or 15 days (international) from the date of booking.
Beyond the 48-hour window, regular cancellation and amendment fees will continue to apply. The DGCA has sought public and stakeholder feedback on these proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) guidelines until November 30.
If implemented, the new policy will make India’s air travel framework more transparent, passenger-friendly, and fair, giving flyers greater control over last-minute changes without the burden of heavy cancellation charges.
