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2h ago

DGCA Unveils Draft Refund Rules With 48-Hour Free Look for Air Tickets

Public consultation runs through 30 November following widespread complaints over delayed refunds, opaque fees.

Travellers Can Now Get Full Refund On Cancelled Or Rescheduled Air Tickets; Details Inside. (Image: Canva)
Image
The plane was on its way from Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Belitung province, to Batam in the Riau Islands. (Photo: Representational Image)

Overview

  • The draft introduces a 48-hour window to cancel or amend bookings without extra charges for tickets bought on an airline’s website, with any fare difference still payable.
  • The 48-hour facility is unavailable for departures within five days on domestic routes or within 15 days on international itineraries.
  • Refund timelines are defined as seven days for credit-card payments, immediate return for cash purchases, and up to 21 working days for tickets bought via agents or portals, with airlines responsible for issuing those refunds.
  • Cancellation fees must be shown at purchase and cannot exceed the basic fare plus fuel surcharge, while all taxes and charges such as UDF, ADF and PSF must be returned.
  • The proposal applies to scheduled and non-scheduled domestic operators and international carriers in India, with the framework open for feedback until 30 November before finalization.