Travellers May Soon Get 48-Hour Option to Refund, Reschedule or Cancel Flight Tickets: DGCA

November 4, 2025 MTIMES 3 min read air travel India, airline cancellation policy, Civil Aviation Requirement, DGCA, DGCA proposal, flight ticket refund, passenger rights

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a new rule that could allow air travellers a 48-hour window to refund, reschedule, or cancel flight tickets after booking. This move aims to enhance passenger convenience and flexibility in flight planning.

DGCA Proposes 48-Hour ‘Look-in Option’ for Flyers

According to the DGCA’s draft proposal, the key feature is a 48-hour “Look-in Option” which would allow passengers to revisit their booking decisions within two days of purchase.

This means travellers could change or cancel their flight tickets without penalties within that period, ensuring greater control over last-minute changes.

The aviation watchdog has invited public feedback on the proposal until November 30, 2025. After reviewing the inputs, the DGCA will take a final decision on its implementation.

Flights Exempted from the 48-Hour Rule

However, the DGCA clarified that certain short-notice flights will not be covered under this provision.
According to the draft, the “Look-in Option” will not apply to:

Domestic flights scheduled to depart within five days of booking.
International flights scheduled to depart within fifteen days of booking.

This exclusion, DGCA explained, is designed to balance airline operational requirements with passenger flexibility, especially during peak travel periods or emergency bookings.

Direct Refunds and Agent Accountability

A key feature of the proposal is the protection of passengers’ refund rights.

The DGCA emphasized that passengers should not be compelled to accept credit shells or wallet balances. Instead, they must have the option to receive direct refunds to their original mode of payment.

For tickets booked through travel agents or third-party platforms, airlines will be required to ensure timely refunds reach passengers without unnecessary delays.

Public Feedback Open Until November 30

The DGCA has invited comments and suggestions from passengers, airlines, and other stakeholders on possible amendments to Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 3, which governs cancellation, rescheduling, and refund norms.

After the feedback window closes on November 30, the regulator will analyze all inputs and finalize the revised guidelines.

Once approved, this policy could represent a major reform in India’s air travel regulations, aligning passenger rights with global aviation standards.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

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Travellers May Soon Get 48-Hour Option to Refund, Reschedule or Cancel Flight Tickets: DGCA