Major Relief for Air Travellers: DGCA Rolls Out 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window, Tightens Airline Refund Norms
The Voice of Chandigarh | Travel Trade Reporter
In a landmark move aimed at strengthening passenger rights and enhancing transparency in air travel, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a 48-hour free cancellation “look-in” window for airline tickets and significantly revised refund rules to ensure faster and fairer processing.
The new provisions, notified under the updated Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Section 3 — Air Transport, Series ‘M’ Part II, will come into effect from March 26, 2026, and are expected to benefit millions of domestic and international flyers.
✈️ 48-Hour Free Cancellation: A Game Changer
Under the new rules, passengers booking tickets directly through an airline’s official website will be entitled to cancel or amend their tickets within 48 hours of booking without any additional charges. The only cost applicable in case of amendment will be the difference in fare, if any.
This facility applies provided the flight’s departure is:
- At least 7 days away for domestic flights, and
- At least 15 days away for international flights.
The reform addresses long-standing passenger grievances related to steep cancellation penalties and inflexible booking policies.
💰 Faster, Transparent Refunds Made Mandatory
The DGCA has also laid down strict timelines for refund processing:
- Within 7 days for credit/debit card payments
- Immediately for cash transactions at airline offices
- Within 14 working days for tickets booked via travel agents or online portals
Importantly, airlines remain responsible for processing refunds even when tickets are booked through third-party agents.
🧾 No More Hidden Deductions
In a significant consumer-friendly provision, airlines must now refund all statutory taxes and passenger service fees — even for non-refundable tickets. Additionally:
- Cancellation charges cannot exceed the basic fare plus fuel surcharge.
- Airlines cannot levy any extra fee for processing refunds.
- Cancellation charges must be clearly displayed at the time of booking.
📝 Free Name Corrections & Medical Relief
Passengers can correct errors in their name within 24 hours of booking without penalty, provided the ticket is booked directly via the airline’s website.
Further, in cases of medical emergencies involving the passenger or a family member on the same PNR, airlines may provide a refund or credit shell, subject to medical documentation.
📢 A Strong Step Towards Passenger Protection
The DGCA stated that the revised framework aims to curb passenger dissatisfaction, ensure transparency in airline policies, and create a more accountable refund ecosystem in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
With these reforms, India’s aviation regulator has sent a clear message: Passenger convenience and fairness will remain at the forefront of air travel governance.
