DGCA Introduces 48-Hour Free Cancellation for Air Tickets
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised airline ticketing rules, introducing a mandatory 48-hour “look-in period” during which passengers can cancel or modify bookings without incurring change or cancellation fees. The rule applies from the time of booking but excludes tickets purchased directly on airline websites if the flight is within seven days for domestic travel or 15 days for international travel. Fare differences will apply if passengers switch to a different flight.
In a bid to ease passenger grievances, DGCA has also prohibited airlines from charging fees for name corrections if reported within 24 hours for tickets booked directly through airline websites. Airlines remain responsible for refunds even for tickets booked via travel agents or online portals, with a strict 14-working-day timeline for processing refunds. Special provisions have been outlined for cancellations due to medical emergencies, including full refunds or credit shells after assessments by airline-appointed or DGCA-approved medical specialists.
The updated Civil Aviation Requirements aim to enhance transparency and strengthen passenger rights amid rising complaints over delayed refunds. Data from DGCA show that airlines received over 29,000 passenger complaints in December 2025 alone, with 7.5% related to refunds. With India’s aviation sector rapidly expanding, the regulator seeks to balance operational challenges with consumer protection, improving confidence and efficiency in ticketing and post-booking processes.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
