DGCA Revises Aviation Rules, Passengers Can Cancel Or Modify Tickets Within 48 Hours Without Extra Charges

Passengers booking flight tickets in India will now enjoy greater flexibility, after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation revised its norms on cancellations, changes and refunds. The updated framework is designed to simplify procedures, reduce disputes and ensure quicker repayments to travellers.

Free Cancellation Or Changes Within 48 Hours

Under the amended rules, travellers can cancel or modify their tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying any additional charge, subject to specific conditions laid down by the regulator. The move is expected to offer relief to passengers who often rush to secure fares and later need corrections.

The regulator has also clarified the process for rectifying name errors. For tickets booked directly through an airline's official website, passengers can request a correction in the name of the same traveller within 24 hours of booking at no extra cost.

Airlines Responsible For Refunds Within 14 Days

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation made it clear that airlines cannot shift responsibility to intermediaries. "In case of purchase of ticket through travel agent/portal, onus of refund shall lie with the airlines as agents are their appointed representatives. The airlines shall ensure that the refund process is completed within 14 working days," the DGCA said.

This clarification places direct accountability on carriers, even when bookings are made through travel portals or third party agents.

Relief In Medical Emergencies

The revised Civil Aviation Requirements on 'Refund of Airline Tickets to Passengers of Public Transport Undertakings' also introduce provisions for cancellations arising from medical emergencies. Airlines have been instructed to handle such cases promptly and transparently, ensuring that passengers are not left in uncertainty during difficult situations.

The amendments come amid growing complaints over delayed refunds. The issue drew widespread attention during flight disruptions involving IndiGo in December 2025, when the civil aviation ministry stepped in and directed the airline to process refunds within a fixed timeline.

With the updated norms, the regulator aims to create a more passenger friendly system, improve accountability among airlines and restore confidence in the refund process for air travellers across India.