DGCA brings 48-hour free flight cancellation rule, mandates 14-day refund timeline for airlines

Passengers can now cancel or modify flights within 48 hours without extra charges as DGCA enforces stricter refund and name correction rules.

• DGCA introduces 48-hour free cancellation for direct bookings
• Name corrections are free if reported within 24 hours of booking
• Airlines must process refunds within 14 working days

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India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has rolled out revised air ticket refund norms that promise to make booking flights significantly less stressful for passengers. The updated Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) introduce a 48-hour free cancellation and modification window, alongside stricter timelines for refunds and relief on name correction charges.

The move comes amid rising passenger complaints around delayed refunds and operational disruptions, including those seen during the IndiGo flight disruption episode in December 2025.

48-Hour Free Cancellation: What It Means for Flyers

Under the amended rules, passengers who book tickets directly on an airline’s website will now have a 48-hour “look-in option” to cancel or modify their bookings without paying cancellation or amendment charges.

If a flyer chooses to switch to a higher-priced flight within this window, they will only need to pay the fare difference. No additional penalty or modification fee can be levied.

However, this benefit comes with conditions. The 48-hour free cancellation does not apply if:

• A domestic flight is scheduled to depart within 7 days of booking.
• An international flight is scheduled to depart within 15 days of booking.

The rule applies only to tickets booked directly through airline websites.

After the 48-hour window closes, standard airline cancellation and modification policies will apply. In a fast-paced digital booking environment where fares fluctuate quickly, the 48-hour cushion offers travellers a short but valuable rethink period without financial penalties.

No Charges for Name Corrections Within 24 Hours

Another significant relief relates to passenger name corrections. The DGCA has directed airlines not to levy any additional charge for correcting a passenger’s name, provided:

• The error is reported within 24 hours of booking.
• The ticket was purchased directly from the airline’s website.

Previously, even minor spelling mistakes could result in substantial correction fees. The new rule aims to eliminate unnecessary financial burden arising from simple booking errors.

Refund Responsibility Lies With Airlines

The revised norms also clarify accountability in cases where tickets are booked through travel agents or third-party portals. Even if the booking was made via an intermediary, the onus of refund lies with the airline, as agents are considered their appointed representatives. Airlines must ensure that refunds are processed within 14 working days.

This change is expected to reduce instances where passengers are shuffled between airlines and agents while seeking refunds.

Medical Emergencies Covered

The updated framework also addresses cancellations arising from medical situations. If a passenger or a family member travelling on the same PNR is hospitalised during the travel period, airlines may offer either a refund, or a credit shell for future travel.

In other medical cases, refunds will be processed after assessment by an airline-appointed or DGCA-empanelled aerospace medicine specialist to determine the passenger’s fitness to travel.

While detailed operational guidelines may vary by airline, the intent is to introduce greater flexibility in health-related cancellations.

Why the Change Matters

India’s aviation market has been expanding rapidly, with more first-time flyers and digitally savvy travellers booking tickets well in advance. With that growth has come a surge in complaints around refund delays, cancellation disputes, and clarity over fare rules.

The issue became particularly visible during operational disruptions last year, when refund timelines came under scrutiny.

By introducing a 48-hour penalty-free window, enforcing a 14-working-day refund deadline, and removing minor name correction charges, the DGCA has signalled a stronger focus on consumer protection in aviation.

What Passengers Should Keep in Mind

• Free cancellation or modification is allowed only within 48 hours of booking and subject to departure date conditions.
• After 48 hours, standard airline policies and charges apply.
• Name corrections are free only if reported within 24 hours of booking and if booked directly with the airline.
• Refunds must be processed within 14 working days, even for agent bookings.
• Medical cancellations are covered under specific provisions.

For travellers, the message is clear: double-check your booking details, act quickly within the grace period if plans change, and know that refund accountability now firmly rests with the airline.