New DGCA Rules: 48-Hour Free Cancellation and Faster Refunds for Indian Air Travelers

Free Cancellation, Faster Refunds: Aviation Body Proposes 'Passenger-First' Rules

The DGCA has established specific timelines for processing passenger refunds.

New Delhi:

Air passengers in India may soon experience enhanced flexibility and expedited refunds as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) introduces new passenger-centric regulations for ticket modifications and cancellations.

According to the proposed Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), airlines will need to implement a "Look-in option" enabling travelers to cancel or modify their bookings within 48 hours of purchase without incurring additional fees.

"The airline shall provide a 'Look-in option' for a period of 48 hours after booking the ticket. During this period, passengers can cancel or amend the ticket without any additional charges, except for the normal prevailing fare for the revised flight for which the ticket is sought to be amended," states the draft regulation.

This benefit will not be applicable if the flight is scheduled to depart within five days for domestic routes or fifteen days for international journeys from the booking date.

"Beyond 48 hours of initial booking time, this option is not available and the passenger has to pay the relevant cancellation fees for amendment," the DGCA clarifies.

Passengers who make spelling errors when booking directly through an airline's website will not face additional charges if corrections are made within 24 hours. The draft states that an "airline shall not levy any additional charge for correction in the name of the same person when the error is pointed out by the passenger within 24 hours of making the booking."

The DGCA has also established clear refund timelines:

For credit card payments: Airlines must process refunds within seven days.

For cash payments: Refunds must be provided immediately at the airline's office.

For tickets purchased through travel agents or online portals: The "onus of refund shall lie with the airlines as agents are their appointed representatives," and refunds must be completed within 21 working days.

In cases where passengers cancel tickets due to medical emergencies, airlines may offer either a refund or a credit shell for future travel. The DGCA has requested feedback from stakeholders on these proposed regulations until November 30.