India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued draft new rules in the interest of air passengers.
Under the proposed changes, passengers will now be able to cancel or modify tickets without any additional charges within 48 hours of booking the ticket.
DGCA has said that airlines will have to provide this ‘look-in option’, so that passengers can make changes or cancellations without any penalty for 48 hours.
📋 Key points of the new rules
48 hour free window:
Passengers will be able to cancel or change the ticket without any extra charges within 48 hours after booking the ticket.
Only the normal fare for the revised flight will be applicable.
Time limit condition:
This facility will be available only when the flight distance is at least 5 days (domestic) or 15 days (international).
No fee on name correction:
If there is a mistake in the name of a passenger and he makes the correction within 24 hours, the airline will not be able to charge him any extra fee.
Responsibility of the airline for refund:
If the ticket is booked through a travel agent or portal, the entire responsibility of refund will be on the airline and not on the agent.
Refund Deadline:
Airlines must complete the refund to passengers within 21 working days.
Relief in medical emergency:
In case of medical emergency, airlines will be able to give passengers the option of giving refund or credit shell.
💬 DGCA’s comment
DGCA has said that this proposal is part of the changes in Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) to provide better transparency and convenience to passengers.
Suggestions on this draft have been sought from both passengers and airlines till November 30.
📊Offer Summary
Aspects Proposed Changes Free Cancellation/Amendment Name Correction Charges within 48 hours of booking Free Correction within 24 hours Responsibility of Refund on the Airline, not the Agent Refund Period 21 working days Option of Refund or Credit Shell in Medical Emergency Effective Flight Limit Domestic: After 5 days, International: After 15 days Suggestion Last Date 30 November 2025