NEW DELHI, India — February 26, 2026
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has introduced revised airline ticket refund rules that allow passengers to cancel or modify bookings within 48 hours without paying additional charges, subject to specific conditions.
The updated passenger-friendly guidelines were issued on February 24 and come amid rising complaints about delayed refunds and inconsistent airline practices.
48-Hour ‘Look-In’ Window Introduced
Under the new framework, airlines must provide passengers with a 48-hour “look-in” option after booking. During this period, travelers may cancel or modify their ticket without incurring cancellation or modification fees. If the flight is changed, passengers must pay only the applicable fare difference.
However, the benefit applies only if the departure date is at least:
Seven days away for domestic flights, and
Fifteen days away for international flights,
provided the ticket was booked directly through the airline’s official website.
After the 48-hour window expires, standard airline charges will apply.
Name Correction Relief Within 24 Hours
The DGCA has also clarified rules regarding name corrections. If a passenger books a ticket directly via the airline’s website and reports a name error within 24 hours, airlines cannot levy additional charges for correction.
This measure is intended to reduce passenger disputes and prevent excessive administrative fees for minor errors.
Refund Responsibility and Timeline
The regulator stated that even if tickets are purchased through travel agents or third-party portals, the airline remains responsible for processing refunds, as agents act as their authorized representatives.
Airlines must complete refunds within 14 working days, the DGCA said.
The issue gained national attention in December 2025 during disruptions affecting flights operated by IndiGo, when the Ministry of Civil Aviation directed airlines to ensure refunds were processed within stipulated timelines.
Medical Emergency Provisions Updated
The revised rules also modify conditions related to medical emergencies. If a passenger or a family member listed on the same PNR is hospitalized, airlines may provide either a refund or a credit shell.
In other medical cases, refunds will require a travel fitness certificate issued by an airline aerospace medicine specialist or a DGCA panel-approved expert.
DGCA Addresses Staff Shortage
Separately, the DGCA has announced recruitment plans to address significant staffing shortages across multiple directorates.
The regulator plans to hire 38 consultants on a contractual basis for one year, including:
24 consultants in the Airworthiness Directorate
6 consultants in the Air Safety Directorate
5 senior consultants and 2 consultants in the Directorate of International Relations and Legal Affairs
Additional consultants in the Flight Training Directorate
Applicants must be under 63 years of age.
According to information presented in Parliament earlier this month, the DGCA currently has 1,630 sanctioned positions, of which 787 remain vacant — nearly half the workforce. The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that ongoing efforts are being made to fill vacancies created during restructuring between 2022 and 2024.
Passenger-Centric Reform
The revised refund framework reflects growing regulatory emphasis on consumer protection within India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. With domestic air travel demand rising, the DGCA’s updated guidelines aim to standardize refund practices and improve accountability across carriers.
