DGCA Proposes 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window for Air Travelers: New Refund Regulations to Enhance Passenger Rights

New Delhi:

Air travelers may soon enjoy the benefit of canceling or modifying their tickets without incurring additional fees within a 48-hour window after booking, as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) proposes substantial changes to ticket refund regulations.

The aviation watchdog has also suggested that when tickets are purchased through travel agents or online portals, airlines should bear the responsibility for refunds since these agents function as their appointed representatives.

According to the regulator, airlines will need to ensure the completion of refund processes within 21 working days, as outlined in the proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) regarding air ticket refunds.

These proposed modifications come in response to ongoing concerns and issues related to air ticket refund processes.

The draft CAR states that "airlines shall not impose any additional charge for name corrections of the same person when the passenger points out such errors within 24 hours of booking, provided the ticket was purchased directly through the airline website."

The DGCA has proposed that airlines must offer a 'Look-in option' for 48 hours following ticket booking.

"During this period, passengers can cancel or amend tickets without additional charges, except for the normal prevailing fare for the revised flight for which the ticket is being amended," according to the proposal.

Additionally, this facility would not be available for flights departing within 5 days for domestic routes and 15 days for international routes from the booking date when tickets are purchased directly through airline websites.

"Beyond the 48-hour initial booking window, this option becomes unavailable, and passengers must pay the relevant cancellation fees for any amendments," the draft CAR explains.

Another key proposal suggests that airlines may refund tickets or provide credit shells in cases where ticket cancellations occur due to medical emergencies.

The DGCA is accepting comments from stakeholders on the draft CAR until November 30.