Mumbai: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has overhauled its airline ticket refund framework, introducing passenger-friendly measures that include a 48-hour window for cancellations or modifications without additional charges. The revised norms fall under the amended Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) governing refunds for passengers of public transport undertakings.
No Extra Fee For Name Corrections
Under the updated guidelines, airlines are barred from levying extra charges for correcting a passenger’s name, provided the error is flagged within 24 hours of booking. This benefit, however, is limited to tickets purchased directly through the airline’s official website.
Airlines To Own Refund Responsibility
Even when tickets are bought through a travel agent or third-party online portal, the onus of processing refunds remains squarely with the airline. The DGCA has made clear that travel agents act as appointed representatives of airlines, and carriers must ensure refunds are credited within 14 working days effectively sparing passengers the ordeal of being bounced between airlines and intermediaries.
Rules Tightened After Surge In Complaints
The revised guidelines, issued on February 24, follow a notable rise in passenger grievances over delayed refunds. The matter had come under sharp focus during flight disruptions involving IndiGo in December 2025, when the civil aviation ministry stepped in and directed the carrier to clear pending refunds within a stipulated timeframe.
The amended norms also address ticket cancellations arising from medical emergencies. Taken together, the DGCA’s latest regulatory push seeks to strengthen transparency, cut down on refund delays, and enforce greater accountability among Indian carriers.
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