Air Travel Made Easier: DGCA Proposes Free Ticket Cancellations, Name Corrections, and Medical Refunds

In a major relief for airline passengers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released a draft proposal introducing several traveller-friendly reforms in India’s aviation sector. Under the new rules, passengers will soon be able to cancel or revise tickets within 48 hours of booking without any extra charges. The draft also includes provisions for free name corrections and refunds in cases of medical emergencies.

These proposed amendments aim to make air travel more transparent, flexible, and passenger-centric, especially after a growing number of complaints regarding refund delays and cancellation penalties. The DGCA has invited feedback from all stakeholders on the draft by November 30, 2025, through its official website.

Free Cancellation or Revision Within 48 Hours

As per the draft Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), airlines will have to provide passengers a “look-in” option—a window allowing travellers to cancel or modify their tickets within 48 hours of purchase without paying any cancellation or change fee.

However, this benefit will only apply if:

• The ticket was booked directly through the airline’s website.

• The booking for domestic flights was made at least five days before the scheduled departure.

• The booking for international flights was made at least 15 days in advance.

If the revised ticket’s fare is higher, the passenger will only need to pay the fare difference, with no extra penalty imposed.

Refunds to Be Airline’s Responsibility

To protect passengers from refund delays and disputes, the DGCA clarified that airlines will remain responsible for refunds, even if tickets were purchased through third-party vendors or travel agents.

The draft mandates that refunds must be processed within 21 days, ensuring quicker resolution for customers. Travel agents and online portals will be considered authorized representatives of the airlines, which means passengers will not be left in limbo in case of refund disputes.

Free Name Correction Within 24 Hours

In another welcome move, passengers who spot spelling errors in their names on the ticket can request a correction within 24 hours of booking, free of cost. Airlines will not be allowed to charge any additional fees for such minor corrections, provided the ticket was booked directly through the airline’s official website.

This change addresses one of the most common grievances among air travellers, where even minor typographical mistakes often led to heavy penalties or ticket cancellations.

Refunds and Credit Shells for Medical Emergencies

The DGCA draft also recognizes situations where passengers are unable to travel due to medical emergencies. In such cases, airlines will be required to offer either a full refund or a credit shell equivalent to the ticket amount, which can be used for future travel.

This clause ensures compassionate handling of genuine emergencies and aligns with international passenger rights practices.

DGCA’s Rationale Behind the Reform

According to DGCA officials, the proposed rules are designed to streamline refund systems, reduce disputes, and improve passenger experience. The regulator has taken this initiative after receiving several complaints about delayed refunds and opaque cancellation policies during and after the pandemic.

Once finalized, these amendments will be incorporated into the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) under the Air Transport Directorate, making them binding on all domestic airlines operating in India.

Experts Welcome the Move

Former Air India Executive Director Jitendra Bhargava welcomed the proposals, stating, “Such steps are a positive move toward improving passenger rights and ensuring fairness in air travel. However, it will be important to see how airlines adapt to these changes without facing operational losses.”

Conclusion

The DGCA’s draft policy marks a significant step toward passenger empowerment in Indian aviation. From free cancellations and name corrections to timely refunds, the proposed reforms aim to create a fair and efficient ecosystem for air travellers.

If approved, these changes will not only enhance customer trust but also help airlines rebuild confidence and transparency in a competitive post-pandemic market.