In a move to address rising complaints from air travellers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed sweeping changes to India’s air ticket refund policy. These guidelines are designed to offer passengers greater flexibility, financial relief, and transparency when cancelling or modifying bookings.
Public feedback on the draft rules will be accepted until November 30, after which a final policy will be notified.
🕒 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window
A key proposal is a 48-hour “look-in window” where passengers can cancel or modify bookings without penalties. This applies only when tickets are booked directly on airline websites and excludes:
- Domestic flights departing within 5 days
- International flights departing within 15 days
After 48 hours, standard cancellation fees apply.
🧾 Faster & Fair Refunds
The DGCA aims to eliminate refund delays and unfair deductions:
- Credit card refunds within 7 days
- Cash bookings refunded immediately
- Agent bookings refunded within 21 working days
- Full refund of taxes & airport fees, even on non-refundable fares
- No extra fees for refund processing
Airlines must clearly display refund amounts and policies during booking.
🧍♂️ No Name-Correction Fee & Medical Flexibility
Passengers can correct spelling errors in their names within 24 hours of direct website booking — at no cost.
Airlines may also issue refunds or credit shells for medical emergencies, offering compassionate flexibility for passengers in distress.
💳 Credit Shells & Transparency Rules
Credit shells will no longer be automatic. Passengers must choose whether to hold funds with the airline.
Cancellation charges cannot exceed the basic fare + fuel surcharge, and airlines must prominently display these fees.
Foreign carriers operating in India must follow their home-country rules while complying with Indian refund standards.
✍️ Final Word
The DGCA’s proposals mark a major step towards fairer, passenger-friendly air travel in India. If implemented, they will streamline refunds, prevent arbitrary deductions, and bring much-needed transparency—strengthening trust between airlines and flyers.
