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DGCA's 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window for Airline Tickets Starts 2026

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a significant new rule allowing passengers a 48-hour window to cancel or amend flight bookings without extra charges. This "look-in" period applies only to tickets booked directly through airline websites and for flights departing at least a week (domestically) or 15 days (internationally) later. The regulator has also mandated free name corrections within 24 hours of booking and established stricter refund timelines, requiring airlines to process most refunds within 14 working days. These revised Civil Aviation Requirements will come into effect on March 26, 2026.

Key Points: DGCA New Rules: 48-Hr Free Flight Cancellation, Refund Timelines

  • 48-hour free cancellation window
  • Applies if departure is 7+ days (domestic) or 15+ days (int'l)
  • Free name correction within 24 hours
  • Refunds within 14 working days
  • Rules effective March 26, 2026
2 min read

DGCA introduces 48-hour free cancellation window for airline tickets, revises refund rules

DGCA introduces 48-hour free cancellation for flights, new refund rules, and name correction policies. Rules effective from March 2026.

"passengers can cancel or make changes to their tickets within 48 hours of booking without any additional fee - DGCA"

New Delhi, Feb 26

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has revised its Civil Aviation Requirements related to airline ticket refunds and introduced a 48-hour "look-in" period that allows passengers to cancel or amend their bookings without paying extra charges.

In a statement, the aviation regulator said that passengers can cancel or make changes to their tickets within 48 hours of booking without any additional fee.

However, if the ticket is changed to another flight, passengers will have to pay the difference in fare, if any.

This facility will apply only if the date of departure is at least seven days away for domestic flights and 15 days away for international flights.

The benefit is available only when tickets are booked directly through the airline's official website.

The DGCA clarified that once 48 hours from booking have passed, normal cancellation charges will apply.

The revised rules were issued on February 24 and will come into effect from March 26, 2026.

The regulator has also laid down clear guidelines on name corrections and refund timelines.

Airlines will not be allowed to charge any fee for correcting the name of the same passenger if the error is reported within 24 hours of booking, provided the ticket was purchased directly from the airline's website.

In cases where tickets are booked through travel agents or online portals, the responsibility for issuing refunds will lie with the airlines, as agents act as their representatives.

The DGCA said airlines must ensure that the refund process is completed within 14 working days in such cases.

As per the new timelines, refunds for credit card transactions must be processed within seven days, while cash payments made at the airline's office should be refunded immediately at the same location.

The regulator has also made it mandatory for airlines to refund all statutory taxes and passenger-related charges in case of cancellations or no-shows, even if the base fare is non-refundable.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but why does it only apply to tickets booked directly on airline websites? Many of us use travel portals for better deals and cashback. This feels like it's pushing us away from aggregators. The refund timelines for agents are clear though.
D
David E
As someone who travels frequently between India and the US, the 15-day rule for international flights makes sense. The name correction policy is a relief – I once paid ₹2000 just to fix a typo in my surname. Small win for common man!
A
Ananya R
Implementation is key. Airlines are experts at finding loopholes. Will they actually refund taxes and charges on non-refundable tickets? The rule says 2026 – that's a long wait. Should be effective sooner.
S
Siddharth J
Finally! The refund within 14 working days rule is much needed. I've had to follow up for months with a budget airline for a cancellation refund. This brings accountability. Hope DGCA monitors compliance strictly.
K
Kavya N
A step in the right direction for Indian aviation. Passenger rights have been ignored for too long. The cash refund rule is excellent – no more waiting for weeks. Now if only they could do something about those ever-increasing fuel surcharges! 😅

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