India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new regulations that benefit airline passengers significantly. Under these revised norms, travelers can change or cancel their air tickets at no extra cost within 48 hours of booking, subject to specific conditions.
New Regulations for Air Ticket Changes and Cancellations
The updated guidelines now allow passengers to amend or cancel tickets without incurring any additional fees, as long as the changes occur within a two-day window post-booking. This initiative addresses rising complaints regarding refund delays, which have become increasingly prominent, particularly after incidents like the IndiGo flight disruptions in December 2025.
Key Features of the New Ticket Norms
- 48-Hour Change Option: Passengers can alter their tickets without additional charges, but this policy is applicable only if the flight departs more than 7 days for domestic flights and 15 days for international flights from the booking date.
- Name Corrections: Airlines cannot charge for name corrections if the error is reported within 24 hours of booking directly through the airline’s website.
- Refund Process: Airlines are obligated to complete the refund process within 14 working days for tickets booked through travel agents, as these agents act as representatives of the airline.
Cancellations Due to Medical Emergencies
In cases of medical emergencies, where a passenger or a listed family member becomes hospitalized, airlines can either issue a refund or offer a credit shell for future travel. However, for other circumstances, refunds will be contingent upon receiving a fitness-to-travel certificate from an airline specialist.
Statistics on Passenger Complaints
The DGCA reported that in December 2025, airlines faced 29,212 passenger-related complaints, with 7.5% of these concerning refunds. During the same timeframe, domestic carriers transported over 14.3 million passengers, reflecting the growing demand in India’s aviation sector.
With the revised Civil Aviation Requirements, passenger rights are being emphasized, showcasing India’s commitment to improving its civil aviation market, which remains one of the fastest-growing in the world.
