DGCA Makes Air Ticket Refund Rules More Passenger-Friendly: Free Changes or Cancellations Within 48 Hours

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has revised airline ticket refund norms to give flyers greater flexibility and consumer protection. Under the new rules, passengers can cancel or amend their airline tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying extra charges, subject to certain conditions. The updated guidelines introduce a “look-in” window of 48 hours after purchase during which passengers can make changes or cancel tickets at no additional cost — apart from any difference in fare for a revised flight. However, this free change/cancellation option only applies if the ticket was booked at least seven days before departure for domestic flights and 15 days before departure for international flights on the airline’s own website. In another passenger-friendly move, airlines are now not allowed to charge extra fees for correcting a spelling or name error if it is pointed out within 24 hours of booking on the airline’s website. The DGCA has also clarified refund responsibilities: if a ticket is purchased through a travel agent or online portal, the airline must ensure refunds are processed within 14 working days. Changes have also been made to handle cancellations arising from medical emergencies. These new norms, aimed at reducing long-standing passenger complaints about refund delays and hidden charges, were formalised in amended Civil Aviation Requirements on February 24 and are seen as a significant step toward improving air travel experience in India.