The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has updated its Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) concerning airline ticket refunds. Passengers now have a 48-hour “look-in” period after booking to cancel or modify their tickets without extra charges. If a passenger changes to another flight, any fare difference must be paid. This policy applies when the departure date is at least seven days for domestic flights and 15 days for international flights away.
The revised rules, effective from March 26, 2026, specify that the benefit is applicable only for tickets booked directly through the airline’s official website. After the initial 48 hours, standard cancellation fees will be enforced. Additionally, the DGCA has outlined procedures for name corrections and refund timelines. Airlines are prohibited from charging fees for name corrections within 24 hours of booking if the ticket was purchased directly from the airline.
In cases where tickets are bought through travel agents or online platforms, airlines are responsible for issuing refunds. Refunds for credit card transactions should be processed within seven days, while cash payments made at the airline’s office must be refunded immediately. Airlines are mandated to refund all statutory taxes and passenger-related charges in cancellations or no-show scenarios, even if the base fare is non-refundable.
