Airline Ticket Refund Rules 2025: Will now passengers get instant money on every flight cancellation? DGCA has issued new rules which can prove to be a game changer to stop the arbitrariness of airlines and ensure refunds within 21 days.
New Delhi. Have you ever canceled a flight and had to wait for months for a refund? If yes, then now there is relief news! India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has planned to completely revamp the airline ticket refund system in view of passengers’ complaints. Under the new rules, it will now be mandatory for airlines to give refunds to passengers within the stipulated time.
What are the new rules of DGCA?
DGCA has proposed several important changes in its new Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) draft. The purpose of these rules is to ensure that passengers get prompt and full refund in case their tickets are canceled or flights are missed.
- Refund required within 21 working days: If the ticket is booked through a travel agent or online portal, the airline will have to give the refund within 21 working days.
- Refund of all taxes and fees: Now airport taxes, fuel fees, and other charges will also have to be refunded, even if the fare is “non-refundable”.
- 48 hour ‘free look-in’ window: If you cancel within 48 hours of booking the ticket, no charges will be levied.
- Refund-to-credit shell will not be under compulsion: Airlines will no longer be able to create credit shells (travel vouchers) without the permission of passengers.
- Transparency is important: It will be mandatory to show complete details of cancellation charges and refund process during booking itself.
Will foreign airlines also come under the purview of these rules?
Yes, foreign airlines operating in India will also have to follow India’s refund timeline and processing system. The rules of their country will remain applicable, but in India they will have to follow the standards of DGCA.
Full refund will be available even on medical emergency
If a passenger or his/her family has a medical emergency, the airline will have to offer a full refund or credit shell option to cancel the ticket. DGCA has described it as “protection of passenger rights in sensitive situations”.
Why was government intervention necessary?
DGCA has said that many airlines were not paying attention to the complaints of passengers. Refunds were not available for months, or passengers were given travel credits that were difficult to use later. After continuously increasing complaints, DGCA has decided to set new benchmarks so that the passengers get timely justice.
New draft released – now passengers’ opinion will also be taken
DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said that this draft has currently been released for public consultation. Once finalized soon, it will be applicable to all airlines. Now the hassle of delay in flight ticket refund is going to end in India. These rules of DGCA can prove to be a game changer for air passengers to ensure transparency and protection of passengers’ rights.