Air travel has become a part of daily life. People travel for work, to meet family, or for vacations. But problems usually start when tickets have to be cancelled, flights are missed, or refunds get delayed.
Many passengers have complained about not getting full refunds, paying extra in taxes and fees, or facing long delays in getting their money back.
To solve these issues, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new airline ticket rules, which will come into effect from March 26, 2026.
Why New Rules Were Introduced
On February 24, 2026, the DGCA announced that refund-related complaints had become a major issue for passengers. The main problems included delayed refunds, incomplete payments, and airlines giving vouchers instead of cash.
To protect passengers, the DGCA has stepped in and introduced clear and strict rules to make the refund process fair and transparent.
Clear Rules for Taxes and Fees Refund
The new rules bring big relief for passengers. Airlines must now refund all statutory taxes and passenger service charges like PDF, ADF, and PSF if a ticket is cancelled, not used, or in case of a no-show.
This rule applies even to promotional or special tickets. Even if the base fare is non-refundable, airlines cannot keep the taxes and government charges. These must be returned to the passenger.
Fixed Timeline for Refunds
The DGCA has also set a clear time limit for refunds.
If payment is made by credit card, the refund must be processed within 7 business days.
If the ticket is booked through a travel agent or online portal, the airline is still responsible and must process the refund within 14 business days.
If the payment was made in cash, the refund must be given immediately at the airline office where the ticket was purchased.
What This Means for Travelers
These changes are very important for air travelers. Plans can change anytime—tickets may be booked by mistake or trips may be postponed due to unexpected situations.
With these new rules, passengers can feel more secure. The refund process will now be clearer, faster, and more reliable, especially when it comes to getting back taxes and fees after ticket cancellations.
