If you book flight tickets, this new rule is important for you.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made it mandatory to provide your own mobile number and email address while booking an air ticket.
This rule applies whether you book directly, through a travel agent, or via an online portal.
The goal is simple: airlines must be able to contact passengers directly.
Why Did DGCA Change the Rule?
This decision comes after a major disruption in December 2025.
During that time, IndiGo cancelled around 4,500 flights due to changes in pilot duty rules and operational issues.
Thousands of passengers reached airports only to find out their flights had been cancelled.
Why did this happen?
In many cases, the airline did not have the passenger’s actual contact details.
Instead, the mobile number or email of a travel agent was entered at the time of booking.
As a result:
Passengers did not receive cancellation alerts.
Refunds and compensation were delayed.
Confusion and complaints increased.
The DGCA said this situation clearly showed the need for direct communication with travelers.
What Is Mandatory Now?
Under the new rule:
Passengers must provide their own valid mobile number.
Passengers must provide their own email address.
Airlines, agents, and booking portals cannot use their own contact details in place of the passenger’s.
The DGCA has strictly instructed all airlines, travel agents, and online platforms to follow this directive.
This will ensure that passengers receive:
Instant updates about delays or cancellations
Faster refunds
Clear communication about compensation
Strict Monitoring and Checks
The DGCA has also asked airlines to educate travel agents and intermediaries about the new rule.
Airlines will conduct periodic checks to ensure correct passenger details are entered at the time of booking.
These instructions must also be included in agreements with travel agents.
The regulator wants to make sure such confusion does not happen again.
What Happened During the IndiGo Crisis?
In December 2025, when IndiGo cancelled flights on a large scale, the aviation regulator received 26,999 complaints from passengers.
Around 9.82 lakh passengers were affected that month.
According to official data:
IndiGo spent about ₹22.7 crore on refunds, alternative flights, and compensation.
The airline has not disclosed how many passengers were eligible for compensation and how many have actually received it.
During a hearing in the Delhi High Court, the court directed the airline to provide this information.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 25.
What This Means for You
From now on, always ensure that your personal mobile number and email address are correctly entered while booking a ticket.
A small detail can save you from major inconvenience.
Direct communication means fewer surprises at the airport and quicker solutions when things go wrong.
