Nov 4, 2025 – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed significant changes in ticket booking/refund rules directed at making air travel a seamless experience for passengers and making the process passenger-friendly and efficient. This revision draft includes allowing cancellation or amendment of tickets without any extra charge.

The key proposals in the draft amendment:

Passengers will have a 48-hour “look-in” window, a grace period after booking during which they can cancel or amend the tickets without any extra charge. Except for the airfare difference if any because of the revised flight for which the ticket is being amended. However, this will not be applicable on domestic bookings made less than five days before departure or international bookings made less than 15 days before departure.

Airlines will have to speed up refund process and complete it within 21 working days and there will be no hidden deductions. Airlines will also have to refund statutory taxes and airport fees even if a passenger cancels late or is a no-show.

Even if the ticket is booked through a travel agent, the refund will have to be made by the respective airline because the agents are the airlines’ appointed representatives.

For cancellations owing to medical emergencies, airlines may offer full refunds or credit shells. Credit shell will be given automatically only if the passenger agrees to it.

Airlines cannot charge for minor name corrections if reported within 24 hours of booking on their website.

The DGCA has sought comments from stakeholders on the draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) till November 30.

With Media Inputs

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