NEW DELHI — Air travelers in India may soon enjoy greater flexibility when booking flights, thanks to a new proposal from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that would allow passengers to cancel or modify tickets within 48 hours of purchase without incurring additional fees. The draft policy, unveiled this week, is part of the regulator’s broader effort to strengthen passenger rights and bring greater transparency to the country’s aviation sector.
A Push for Passenger-Friendly Reforms
The proposed Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) seeks to establish a 48-hour “look-in” window, during which passengers can cancel or amend flight bookings made directly through an airline’s website—such as IndiGo (6E), Air India (AI), or SpiceJet (SG)—at no extra charge. If a traveler chooses to modify their booking during this period, they will only need to pay the fare difference for the new flight.
The DGCA said the measure is intended to “make air travel more transparent and passenger-friendly,” while minimizing disputes over cancellations and corrections. The initiative aligns with the regulator’s ongoing efforts to codify clearer refund policies and ensure airlines meet their consumer obligations.
However, the proposal outlines some important limitations. The 48-hour flexibility will not apply to flights scheduled to depart within five days (for domestic travel) or 15 days (for international travel) from the booking date. Beyond this two-day window, standard cancellation and amendment fees would resume as per each carrier’s existing policies.
Name Corrections and Refund Responsibilities
In addition to the cancellation provision, the DGCA’s draft rules also clarify responsibilities related to name corrections and refunds. If a passenger identifies a name error on a ticket purchased directly from an airline’s website, the airline will be required to correct the mistake free of charge—provided it is reported within 24 hours of booking.
The DGCA has also addressed a longstanding concern among travelers who book through third-party travel agents or online portals. Under the proposed regulation, refund responsibility will rest squarely with the airline, even for tickets purchased via intermediaries. This clarification, the regulator said, ensures that passengers “do not face delays or confusion over refund responsibility” and that agents act as accountable representatives of the airlines they sell for.
Clear Refund Timelines and Medical Exemptions
The draft policy establishes firm timelines for refunds, mandating that airlines must complete all refund processes within 21 working days. The requirement is designed to prevent the delays that have frustrated passengers, particularly in the wake of flight disruptions and pandemic-related cancellations.
The DGCA also introduced special provisions for medical emergencies. In such cases, airlines may choose either to refund the ticket or offer a credit shell—essentially a travel credit that allows passengers to reschedule their trip at a later date. This flexibility, the regulator noted, is meant to accommodate unforeseen circumstances without penalizing travelers.
Public Consultation and Next Steps
The DGCA has invited public feedback on the proposed rules until November 30, after which it will review comments and finalize the policy. Once approved, the revised Civil Aviation Requirement is expected to take effect within months, pending notification in the official gazette.
Industry observers see the proposal as part of India’s broader effort to modernize its aviation consumer protections, in line with global standards. The “look-in” window concept mirrors similar policies in other markets, including the U.S., where passengers are entitled to a 24-hour free cancellation period for direct bookings.
For airlines, the DGCA’s move may require updates to booking systems and refund workflows, but it could also strengthen customer trust in the long term. For travelers, the change promises a welcome degree of flexibility—especially as air travel demand continues to rise across domestic and international routes.
As the DGCA moves closer to formalizing these changes, passengers and airlines alike will be watching closely. The regulator emphasized that the goal is not only to streamline processes but to “enhance transparency and trust” in India’s aviation system.
The final policy is expected to be released after the consultation period concludes later this month
