No Cancellation Fee Within 48 Hours: DGCA Revises Air Ticket Refund Rules

In a major relief for air travelers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised air ticket refund norms, introducing a passenger-friendly 48-hour cancellation window. Under the updated guidelines, travelers can cancel or modify their tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying additional charges, subject to specific conditions.

The move comes amid rising complaints about delayed refunds and high cancellation penalties, especially during flight disruptions. With India’s aviation sector witnessing rapid growth, regulators have stepped in to ensure stronger consumer protection and greater transparency.

What Is the 48-Hour “Look-In” Option?

As per the revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), airlines are now required to provide a 48-hour “look-in option.” This means that after booking a ticket, passengers can cancel or revise it within 48 hours without incurring a penalty.

However, there is one important caveat: if a passenger chooses to rebook on a different flight that has a higher fare, they will need to pay the fare difference. The waiver applies only to cancellation or modification charges, not to changes in ticket price.

This new rule is designed to give travelers flexibility in case of booking errors, sudden plan changes, or reconsideration shortly after purchase.

When Does the Rule Not Apply?

The 48-hour benefit does not apply in all cases. According to the guidelines:

• If the ticket is booked directly on the airline’s website and the travel date falls within seven days of booking for domestic flights, the rule will not apply.

• For international flights, the exemption does not apply if travel is scheduled within 15 days of booking.

Once the 48-hour window expires, standard airline cancellation and modification fees will be applicable.

Passengers are advised to carefully review fare conditions before booking, especially for last-minute travel.

No Extra Charge for Name Corrections

In another passenger-friendly step, the DGCA has clarified that airlines cannot levy additional charges for correcting minor name errors if the ticket was booked directly through the airline’s website and the correction request is made within 24 hours of booking.

This provision is expected to reduce stress for travelers who accidentally enter spelling mistakes or minor typographical errors while booking tickets online.

Refund Responsibility Lies With Airlines

The regulator has also made it clear that airlines remain responsible for processing refunds—even if the ticket was booked through a travel agent or an online portal. Agents are considered representatives of the airline, and therefore, the refund obligation ultimately lies with the carrier.

Airlines have been directed to complete refund processing within 14 working days. This directive aims to address concerns over delayed refunds that have affected thousands of passengers in recent months.

Medical Emergencies Covered Under New Norms

The updated rules also take into account medical emergencies. If a passenger or an immediate family member listed on the same PNR is hospitalized during the travel period, airlines may offer a refund or a credit shell.

In certain cases, the final decision may be based on an assessment by the airline or an aerospace medicine expert empaneled by the DGCA, who will evaluate the passenger’s fitness to travel.

This provision ensures that genuine medical cases receive fair consideration while maintaining operational clarity for airlines.

Background: Rising Complaints and Sector Growth

The regulatory changes come after a noticeable increase in passenger grievances, particularly related to refund delays. According to DGCA data, scheduled airlines received over 29,000 passenger complaints in December 2025, with a significant portion linked to refunds.

The aviation sector has expanded rapidly over the past year, carrying more than 16 crore passengers in 2025 alone. With such high volumes, ensuring timely refunds and transparent policies has become critical for maintaining consumer trust.

What This Means for Travelers

The revised refund framework strengthens passenger rights and offers greater flexibility during the initial booking period. The 48-hour cancellation window, quicker refund timelines, and free name corrections are expected to make ticket booking less stressful.

However, travelers should remain mindful of exceptions related to short-notice travel and fare differences when opting for rebooking.

As air travel demand continues to grow, the DGCA’s updated guidelines mark a significant step toward balancing airline operations with passenger protection—ensuring that consumer interests remain at the forefront of India’s aviation expansion.