Cancel Your Flights Free of Charge Within 48 Hours Soon!

DELHI- India’s aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has introduced a draft regulation seeking to allow travelers to alter or cancel their airline tickets within 48 hours of booking—without incurring any additional fees.

This initiative aims to enhance the transparency of air travel and make it more passenger-centered, clearly defining refund processes and responsibilities for both airlines and agents.

DGCA Introduces 48-Hour Cancellation Window

As part of the proposed Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), passengers who book directly through airline websites—like IndiGo (6E), Air India (AI), or SpiceJet (SG)—can cancel or modify their tickets within 48 hours of booking without additional fees.

If a new flight is selected, the only charge during this window will be any fare difference.

This 48-hour flexibility aims to minimize conflicts related to cancellations or name corrections. However, it doesn’t apply to flights scheduled to depart within five days (for domestic flights) or 15 days (for international travels) from the booking date.

After the 48 hours, the standard cancellation and amendment fees will apply.

Clarifications on Name Changes and Refunds

The DGCA specifies that if a traveler identifies a name mistake within 24 hours of booking their ticket—when purchased directly from the airline—the airline must amend it at no cost.

For tickets bought via travel agents or online platforms, the airline will be responsible for refunds, as agents represent them. This setup is aimed at preventing misunderstandings regarding who is accountable for refunds.

Refund Timeline and Medical Cancellation Policies

Part of the proposed changes includes a mandate that airlines process refunds within 21 working days.

In instances of cancellations due to medical emergencies, airlines can either issue a full refund or provide a credit shell, allowing passengers to reschedule their travel plans more conveniently.

The DGCA welcomes public feedback on these draft rules until November 30, following which the finalized policy will be published.