In a major move to improve passenger convenience, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing new regulations that will allow air travellers to cancel or modify their tickets without extra charges within 48 hours of booking.
The proposed Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) aims to ensure greater transparency and fairness in airline operations. Under the draft rule, airlines must offer a &ldquo;look-in option&rdquo;, a 48-hour window for passengers to amend or cancel their tickets free of cost, except for fare differences on rebooked flights.
However, this rule will not apply to flights scheduled to depart within five days for domestic journeys or within 15 days for international routes from the date of booking. After the initial 48-hour window, passengers will have to pay standard cancellation or amendment fees.
The DGCA has also proposed that airlines must complete refunds within 21 working days. Additionally, name corrections reported within 24 hours of booking through an airline&rsquo;s official website will not attract any additional fee.
Passengers cancelling due to medical emergencies may be eligible for full refunds or credit shells.
These changes are designed to address frequent complaints about refund delays and hidden cancellation charges. Stakeholders can submit feedback on the draft policy until November 30.

New DGCA draft may allow passengers to cancel or change air tickets within 48 hours

DGCA Plans 48-Hour Free Ticket Cancellation

New DGCA draft may allow passengers to cancel or change air tickets within 48 hours

November 4, 2025 | 15:22 IST