Have you ever canceled a flight and had to wait months for your refund? There’s good news! India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is planning major changes to the airline ticket refund system after receiving several passenger complaints.
Under the new rules, airlines will now have to issue refunds within a fixed timeframe.
Key Highlights of the New DGCA Rules
The DGCA has introduced several important changes in its new draft Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) to make refunds faster and more transparent:
Refund within 21 working days: If a ticket is booked through a travel agent or online portal, airlines must refund the money within 21 working days.
Refund of all taxes and fees: Even if the ticket fare is marked as “non-refundable,” passengers will still get back airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and other fees.
48-hour ‘free look-in’ period: If you cancel your ticket within 48 hours of booking, no cancellation charges will apply.
No more credit shells without consent: Airlines cannot issue travel vouchers or credit shells unless passengers specifically agree to it.
Clear information at booking: Airlines must display complete details of cancellation charges and refund procedures upfront, before a passenger books a ticket.
Rules Apply to All Airlines — Including Foreign Ones
Foreign airlines operating in India will also have to follow these refund timelines and processes.
While they must comply with their home country’s regulations, they are also required to meet DGCA’s refund standards while operating in India.
Full Refunds Allowed in Medical Emergencies
If a passenger or their family member faces a medical emergency, the airline must provide either a full refund or the option of a credit shell.
The DGCA said this rule ensures that passenger rights are protected in sensitive situations.
Why These Changes Were Needed
According to the DGCA, many airlines were delaying refunds for months or offering travel credits that were hard to use.
Due to the rising number of complaints, the regulator decided to step in and set clear refund timelines to ensure passengers receive timely compensation.
Public Consultation Before Final Implementation
DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai announced that the new draft rules have been released for public consultation. Once finalized, they will apply to all airlines operating in India.
With these new regulations, the long wait for flight ticket refunds may finally come to an end.
The DGCA’s move aims to strengthen passenger rights and bring transparency to the refund process.
