The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented significant amendments to aviation regulations to safeguard the interests of air passengers. According to the new guidelines, travelers will no longer be required to pay additional charges for canceling or modifying their tickets within the first 48 hours of booking. This decision follows a series of passenger grievances regarding exorbitant cancellation fees and delays in the refund process. According to officials, this move is designed to make the air travel experience more transparent and passenger-friendly.
Zero Cancellation Fee Framework and Conditions
Under the new rules issued by the DGCA, if a passenger books a ticket directly through the airline's official website or mobile application, they're entitled to a 'free cancellation' window for up to 48 hours from the time of booking. During this period, airlines are prohibited from deducting any cancellation charges, while however, this facility is applicable only to tickets booked at least seven days prior to the scheduled departure date. Officials stated that this regulation provides passengers with the necessary flexibility to manage unplanned changes in their travel itineraries.
Free Name Correction and Rectification Window
Human errors in spelling names during ticket bookings often led to heavy penalties imposed by airlines in the past, while as per the revised regulations, any errors in the passenger's name can now be corrected free of charge within 24 hours of booking. Travelers won't be required to pay any correction fees for such rectifications. This rule is particularly beneficial for passengers who might enter incorrect details during the fast-paced online booking process, ensuring they aren't unfairly penalized for minor mistakes.
Refund Mandates for Third-Party Bookings
Even if a passenger has purchased their ticket through a travel agent or a third-party Online Travel Agency (OTA), the primary responsibility for processing the refund lies with the respective airline. The DGCA has issued strict directives ensuring that all valid refund claims must be completed within 14 working days. Airlines must ensure that the refund amount is credited back to the original payment method. This process will be digitally monitored to ensure accountability and prevent unnecessary delays for the consumers.
Medical Emergency and Special Provisions
The aviation regulator has also streamlined the refund process for cancellations necessitated by medical emergencies. If a passenger is unable to travel due to serious health issues or a sudden medical condition and provides valid documentation, airlines are required to facilitate the refund process smoothly, while these changes were initiated following reports of issues faced by passengers during flight disruptions in late 2024 and early 2025, aiming to strengthen the regulatory framework for consumer protection.
Regulatory Oversight and Airline Compliance
According to the DGCA, it's mandatory for all airlines to prominently display these new rules on their websites. Passengers must be informed of these rights at the time of booking. The regulator has clarified that any airline found violating these norms or causing undue delays in refunds may face punitive action. This step is expected to enhance service quality and competition within the aviation sector, ultimately fostering greater trust among air travelers regarding the reliability of the booking system.