DGCA Introduces 48-Hour Free Flight Cancellation Rule

Stricter Refund Timelines For Airlines

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has introduced new rules to make air travel more flexible for passengers. Under the updated guidelines, travellers can cancel or amend their flight tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying any cancellation charges, though they may need to cover any fare difference if switching to a different flight.

This option is available only if the original flight is at least seven days away for domestic travel and 15 days away for international travel, and tickets are booked directly through the airline’s website. After the 48-hour window, standard cancellation fees apply.

In addition, airlines must allow passengers to correct minor name errors on tickets within 24 hours of booking at no extra cost, again for bookings made directly on their sites.

The DGCA has also set stricter timelines for refunds, requiring airlines to process refunds within 14 working days, regardless of whether the ticket was purchased through a travel agent or online portal. Passengers cancelling for medical emergencies will also have clearer options under the revised rules.

These changes come in response to long-standing complaints about delayed refunds and complicated cancellation policies, aiming to provide greater clarity and fairness for all air travellers.