DGCA mulls 48-hour free air ticket cancellation, quicker refunds

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in a move aimed at making air travel more passenger-friendly, has proposed allowing travellers to cancel or modify their flight tickets without extra charges within 48 hours of booking. The proposal forms part of draft amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) concerning ticket refunds.

The aviation watchdog has suggested that passengers be provided with a “look-in option” for 48 hours after booking. “During this period, passengers can cancel or amend the ticket without any additional charges, except for the normal prevailing fare for the revised flight for which the ticket is sought to be amended,” the draft states.

However, this facility will not apply to tickets booked for flights departing within five days in the case of domestic travel or within 15 days for international travel. “Beyond 48 hours of initial booking time, this option is not available and the passenger has to pay the relevant cancellation fees for amendment,” the DGCA has clarified.

The regulator has also proposed that no additional charges should be imposed for correcting a passenger’s name if the error is reported within 24 hours of booking through the airline’s website.

In another major change, the DGCA has held airlines responsible for refunds even when tickets are purchased through travel agents or online portals. “The onus of refund shall lie with the airlines as agents are their appointed representatives,” the draft notes.

Airlines will also be required to complete the refund process within 21 working days, a move expected to address long-standing complaints about delayed reimbursements. The draft also proposes that airlines either refund the ticket amount or issue a credit shell in cases where passengers cancel due to a medical emergency.

The DGCA has invited feedback from stakeholders on the proposed amendments until November 30. The final rules will be issued after considering the comments received.