If you’ve ever canceled a flight and had to wait months for a refund, relief is on the way.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is planning to revamp the airline ticket refund system.
The new rules aim to ensure passengers get full refunds quickly, without unnecessary delays.
Key Changes in Refund Rules
The DGCA’s new Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) draft includes several important changes:
Refunds within 21 working days: Airlines must refund passengers within 21 working days, whether tickets were booked online or through travel agents.
Refund all taxes and fees: Airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and other fees must also be refunded, even if the fare was labeled “non-refundable.”
48-hour free cancellation window: Cancel within 48 hours of booking, and no charges will apply.
No forced credit shells: Airlines cannot issue travel vouchers without the passenger’s consent.
Transparency: Airlines must clearly display cancellation charges and refund procedures at the time of booking.
Foreign Airlines Must Follow Rules
Even foreign airlines operating in India will need to follow these refund timelines.
While their home country regulations may apply, they must comply with DGCA standards for passengers in India.
Full Refunds in Emergencies
If a passenger or their family faces a medical emergency, airlines are required to provide a full refund or optional credit shell.
The DGCA calls this a way of protecting passenger rights in sensitive situations.
Why the DGCA Stepped In
Many airlines were ignoring complaints, giving delayed refunds or travel credits that were hard to use.
Due to rising complaints, the DGCA is now setting strict benchmarks to ensure passengers receive timely refunds and transparent information.
The DGCA has released the draft for public consultation, and once finalized, these rules will apply to all airlines in India.
The days of waiting months for a flight refund may soon be over, making air travel more passenger-friendly.
