DGCA Rolls Out Passenger-Friendly Flight Rules: 48-Hour Zero-Cancellation Window and Faster Refunds Effective 26 March 2026

New Delhi, 27 February 2026 – In a major boost for air travellers in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has notified revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) on airline ticket refunds that significantly ease cancellation and amendment norms while tightening timelines for refunds.

The changes, issued on 24 February 2026 under File No. 23-16/2016-AED, will come into force on 26 March 2026.

The highlight of the new rules is the introduction of a 48-hour “look-in option” — double the earlier 24-hour window — during which passengers can cancel or amend their tickets without any cancellation or amendment charges**.

Key conditions apply:

- The ticket must be booked directly on the airline’s website (not through travel agents or online portals).

- For domestic flights: The departure date must be at least 7 days after the booking date.

- For international flights: The departure date must be at least 15 days after the booking date.

If the passenger chooses to amend the ticket, only the fare difference (if the new flight is costlier) has to be paid. Once the 48-hour window closes, standard airline cancellation charges will apply.

- Refund processing for tickets booked through travel agents or online portals must now be completed within 14 working days (down from 30 working days). Airlines remain fully responsible even when tickets are sold via agents.

- Airlines must offer full cash or bank refunds and cannot force passengers into credit shells unless the passenger specifically opts for one.

- All taxes, fees, and surcharges (including UDF, ADF, PSF) must be refunded even on non-refundable fares. Airlines cannot levy any additional processing fee for refunds.

- Minor name corrections (for the same passenger) can be done free of cost if reported within 24 hours of booking on direct airline websites.

- A new provision allows refunds or credit shells in cases of medical emergencies involving the passenger or family members listed on the same PNR. Airlines may require a fitness-to-fly certificate from an aerospace medicine specialist in certain cases.

The DGCA stated that refund-related issues have been among the top passenger grievances in recent years. The revised rules aim to bring greater transparency, reduce hidden charges, and give travellers more flexibility when plans change unexpectedly — especially in the immediate post-booking phase.

Travel experts say the new norms will particularly benefit business travellers and families who often need to tweak plans shortly after booking.

- Book directly on airline websites whenever possible to avail the full benefits of the 48-hour free window and name-correction facility.

- Keep screenshots or records of booking confirmations and cancellation requests.

- The rules apply to all scheduled domestic and international flights operated by airlines in India or to/from India.

Airlines have been directed to update their systems and passenger information pages to reflect the new requirements by the effective date of 26 March 2026.

This is being hailed as one of the most passenger-centric updates from the DGCA in recent years, giving millions of flyers greater peace of mind when booking flights.