New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday revised air ticket rules to make it more passenger-friendly in terms of cancellations, changes, and refunds.
The new rules are aimed to reduce confusion and refund delays faced by many flyers in recent months.
Under the amended rules, flight passengers can cancel or change tickets without paying any additional charge within 48 hours of booking, subject to certain conditions.
As for correcting name errors on tickets, DGCA clarified that for tickets booked directly through an airline’s website, passengers can request a correction in the name of the passenger within 24 hours of booking at no extra charge.
“In case of purchase of ticket through travel agent/portal, onus of refund shall lie with the airlines as agents are their appointed representatives. The airlines shall ensure that the refund process is completed within 14 working days,” DGCA said.
The new rules incorporate provisions for ticket cancellations due to medical emergencies so that airlines handle such requests promptly and transparently.
There have been rising complaints about delayed refunds, especially after unprecedented flight disruptions by IndiGo in December 2025.
The Union Civil Aviation ministry had to direct IndoGo to complete refunds within a specified timeline.
Amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) on ‘Refund of Airline Tickets to Passengers of Public Transport Undertakings’ has followed.
