Good News for Air Travellers: DGCA proposes new airline reforms with 48-hour free cancellation to ease passenger woes
Published on 04/11/2025 04:48 PM
Aviation regulator-Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a draft notification, prescribing minimum requirements for refund of ticket with respect to air transport undertakings, including scheduled domestic/non-scheduled operators and foreign carriers operating to and from India. Additionally, DGCA has sought suggestions and objections from all stakeholders by November 30.
a) In case of credit card payments, refund shall be made by the airlines within seven days of the cancellation to the account of the credit card holder.
b) In case of cash transactions, the refund shall be made immediately by the airline's office from where the ticket was purchased.
c) In case of purchase of a ticket through a travel agent/portal, the onus of refund shall lie with the airlines as agents are their appointed representatives. The airlines shall ensure that the refund process is completed within 21 working days.
According to the official notification, the airline shall provide a 'look-in option' for a period of 48 hours after booking a ticket. During this period, passengers can cancel or amend the ticket without any additional charges, except for the normal prevailing fare for the revised flight for which the ticket is sought to be amended.
Airline shall not levy any additional charge for correction in the name of the same person when the error is pointed out by the passenger within 24 hours of making the booking, when the ticket is booked directly through the airline's website.
The airlines may refund the tickets or provide a credit shell in case of ticket cancellations by the passenger arising due to a medical emergency.
a) Domestic flights: Less than 5 days remaining
b) International flights: Less than 15 days remaining
"This facility shall not be available for a flight whose departure is less than 5 days for domestic flights and 15 days for international flights from the booking date when the ticket is booked directly through the airline's website. Beyond 48 hours of initial booking time, this option is not available, and the passenger has to pay the relevant cancellation fees for amendment," the draft notification read.