DGCA Proposes New Ticket Cancellation Rules for Air Travelers

Proposed Changes to Ticket Cancellation Policies

Air travelers may soon have the option to cancel or modify their tickets without incurring additional fees within 48 hours of booking. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has put forward significant changes to the ticket refund regulations. According to the DGCA's proposal, if a ticket is booked through a travel agent or an online portal, the airline will be responsible for processing the refund, as agents are considered authorized representatives of the airlines. The regulator has mandated that airlines must complete the refund process within 21 working days.

This suggestion is part of an amendment to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) concerning air ticket refunds. The proposal comes in response to numerous issues and complaints related to ticket refunds. Under the new guidelines, if a passenger identifies an error in their name within 24 hours of booking directly through the airline's website, no additional charges should apply. Furthermore, airlines will be required to offer a 'look-in option' for 48 hours post-booking. However, this provision will not apply if the ticket is booked through the airline's website for domestic flights scheduled more than five days later, while for international flights, the limit is set at 15 days. Additionally, if a passenger cancels a ticket due to medical reasons, the airline may issue a refund or credit shell. The DGCA has invited stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft by November 30.