Overview
- Government discussions with airlines and insurers target a possible rollout in two to three months, according to multiple reports.
- The proposal would embed a small insurance premium in tickets to fund partial refunds for cancellations close to departure.
- Rough estimates cited by sources suggest about Rs 50 per ticket could support refunds of up to 80% for cancellations up to four hours before takeoff.
- A leading carrier says it is exploring adding the insurance element to its lowest fare category, while OTAs already sell similar optional add-ons.
- Under current practice, cancellations within three hours count as no-shows with no refund except discretionary medical cases, and the DGCA is seeking public comments on draft refund rules.