In a significant relief for air travellers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised its ticket refund norms, introducing a 48-hour "look-in" period during which passengers can cancel or modify their bookings without incurring additional charges, subject to specific conditions.

The amended Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for the refund of airline tickets to passengers were issued on February 24, 2026, and aim to make policies more passenger-friendly amid frequent complaints about high cancellation fees and delayed refunds. Under the new rules, airlines must provide this 48-hour window from the time of booking, allowing cancellations or amendments free of extra fees—except for any fare difference if rescheduling to a higher-priced flight. This facility applies when tickets are booked directly through the airline's website, and the flight departure is at least seven days away for domestic travel or 15 days for international journeys.

Beyond the 48-hour period, standard cancellation or amendment charges as per the airline's policy will apply. The DGCA has also barred airlines from levying any additional fee for correcting a passenger's name (for the same individual) if the error is reported within 24 hours of booking and the ticket was purchased directly via the airline's website. These measures address common grievances related to minor booking mistakes and provide greater flexibility for travellers.

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The revised norms further tighten refund timelines, mandating that airlines complete the refund process within 14 working days. For cash purchases at airline offices, refunds must be issued immediately at the point of purchase. The changes also include provisions for ticket cancellations in cases of medical emergencies, enhancing protections for passengers facing unforeseen circumstances.

This update reflects the DGCA's ongoing efforts to prioritize passenger rights and improve transparency in India's aviation sector, which has seen rapid growth in air travel. Airlines are required to comply with the new guidelines, with the changes expected to take effect shortly after issuance. Travellers are advised to review the full CAR details on the DGCA website for complete applicability and conditions.

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