Passengers flying to and from India could soon have greater flexibility to cancel or amend their flight tickets without extra charges under new refund rules proposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to a report by PTI, the DGCA — India’s civil aviation regulator — has suggested amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) on ticket refunds, aiming to make air travel more passenger-friendly and transparent. One of the key proposals introduces a “look-in period” of 48 hours after booking, during which travellers can cancel or modify their tickets free of charge, except for any difference in the prevailing fare.
This proposed rule would apply to tickets booked directly through airline websites but would exclude flights departing within five days for domestic routes and 15 days for international journeys from the booking date.
The DGCA’s draft also addresses a long-standing issue of delayed refunds. Under the new proposal, airlines would be required to complete the refund process within 21 working days. The regulator has also clarified that for tickets purchased through travel agents or online portals, the responsibility for issuing refunds would rest with the airlines, as agents act as their official representatives.
In another passenger-friendly measure, airlines would not be allowed to charge additional fees for correcting a passenger’s name, provided the error is reported within 24 hours of booking and the correction involves the same individual. This rule would apply to tickets booked directly through airline websites.
The draft further recommends that airlines should offer passengers the option of either a refund or a credit shell if a cancellation is due to a medical emergency.
The DGCA’s move follows widespread complaints from air travellers, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, about refund delays and rigid airline policies. The regulator has invited feedback and suggestions from stakeholders on the proposed changes until November 30.
If implemented, the reforms are expected to bring India’s air travel refund policies in line with global standards and offer passengers more confidence and convenience when booking flights.
The proposed changes mark a significant step toward greater consumer protection in India’s fast-growing aviation sector, which has witnessed a surge in passenger traffic alongside growing competition among domestic and international carriers.
