DGCA 48-Hour Ticket Cancellation Rule 2026, Check eligibility, refund rules & how to claim now.

The Government of India has revised air ticket refund norms to make them more passenger-friendly. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a 48-hour “look-in” option, allowing travellers to cancel or modify tickets without additional charges, subject to certain conditions.

This move comes after rising complaints about delayed refunds and confusion around airline policies, especially during large-scale disruptions in late 2025.

DGCA Ticket Cancellation Rule

Event/Category	Details/Dates
Organization	Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Official Website	Available Here
New Rule	48-hour free cancellation window
Name Correction	Free within 24 hours (direct airline booking)
Refund Timeline	Within 14 working days

What is the 48-Hour “Look-In” Option?

Under the revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR):

• Passengers can cancel or modify tickets within 48 hours of booking.
• No additional cancellation fee will be charged.
• If the new flight fare is higher, you must pay the fare difference.
• If the new fare is lower, airlines will refund the balance.

This rule is designed to help passengers who book tickets in a hurry and later need to correct travel dates or plans.

Who Is Eligible for Free Cancellation?

You can use this benefit if:

• The ticket is booked for a future date beyond the minimum time condition.
• You cancel within 48 hours of booking.
• The booking complies with the airline’s fare rules.

When Does This Rule NOT Apply?

The 48-hour option will not apply if:

• The ticket is booked directly through the airline’s website, and
• The flight date is within:
  • 7 days (Domestic flights)
  • 15 days (International flights)

After 48 hours, normal airline cancellation charges will apply.

Important: Always check the fare category (Basic, Saver, Flexi, etc.) before booking.

Free Name Correction Within 24 Hours

Another major relief:

• If you book directly through the airline’s website,
• And report a name error within 24 hours of booking,
• The airline cannot charge any additional fee.

This helps passengers who accidentally enter spelling mistakes in their ticket.

Editor’s Tip: Even a small spelling mismatch between your ticket and Aadhaar/Passport can create issues at airport check-in. Double-check details before final payment.

Refund Responsibility: Airline or Agent?

Many passengers book through travel agents or online portals.

DGCA has clarified:

• Even if booked via an agent, the airline remains responsible for processing refunds.
• Agents are considered representatives of the airline.
• Refund must be processed within 14 working days.

If refunds are delayed, passengers can file a complaint with DGCA.

What Happens in Medical Emergencies?

The new rules also provide flexibility in medical cases.

If:

• The passenger, or
• A family member on the same PNR,

is hospitalized during the travel period, the airline may offer:

• A refund, or
• A credit shell for future travel.

In complex cases, an aerospace medicine expert empanelled by the airline or DGCA will assess fitness to travel.

Why This Rule Change Is Important

In December 2025, over 29,212 passenger complaints were reported, with 7.5% related to refunds. During the same month, Indian airlines carried over 14.3 million passengers.

Throughout 2025, more than 166.9 million passengers travelled domestically. With such large numbers, clear refund policies are essential to protect consumer rights.

This reform strengthens accountability in India’s fast-growing aviation sector.

How Passengers Should Use This Rule Smartly

• Cancel within 48 hours if you change your plan.
• Keep booking confirmation emails safe.
• Take screenshots of cancellation requests.
• Track refund status after 7–10 days.
• If refund is delayed beyond 14 working days, escalate the complaint.

Mauka mat gavana — but read the fine print carefully.

FAQs

1. Does the 48-hour rule apply to all airline tickets in India?

No. It does not apply if the flight is within 7 days (domestic) or 15 days (international) from booking date when booked directly through the airline.

2. Will I get a full refund if I cancel within 48 hours?

Yes, in most eligible cases. However, fare difference must be paid if you reschedule to a higher-priced ticket.

3. What should I do if the airline delays my refund?

Airlines must process refunds within 14 working days. If delayed, you can raise a grievance with DGCA through its official portal.