The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), effective immediately, outlining stricter timelines and clearer obligations for airlines operating domestic and international flights to and from India.
Under the new rules, airlines cannot levy additional charges for correcting a passenger’s name—provided the correction is for the same person and is reported within 24 hours of booking, when the ticket is purchased directly through the airline’s website.
For refunds, airlines must process credit card cancellations within seven days, crediting the original cardholder’s account. In case of cash bookings, refunds must be made immediately at the airline’s office where the ticket was purchased. If tickets are booked through travel agents or online portals, the airline remains responsible for ensuring refunds are completed within 14 working days.
Passengers are also given a 48-hour “look-in option” after booking to cancel or amend tickets without extra charges, except for fare differences. However, this facility does not apply to flights departing within seven days (domestic) or 15 days (international).
The circular further mandates transparent display of cancellation charges and refund breakdowns. Airlines cannot charge cancellation fees exceeding the basic fare plus fuel surcharge and must refund all statutory taxes and airport fees, even on non-refundable fares.
