DGCA Proposes Free 48-Hour Ticket Cancellation and Faster 21-Day Refunds

In a move that could bring major relief to air passengers across India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed new draft rules that make air travel more transparent and passenger-friendly. The aviation regulator’s proposal includes allowing passengers to cancel or amend their flight tickets for free within 48 hours of booking, ensuring refunds within 21 working days, and providing a 24-hour free window for correcting spelling errors in passenger names.

If implemented, these rules could reshape the way airlines handle bookings, cancellations, and refunds, offering travelers more flexibility and protection against last-minute hassles.

What the DGCA Proposal Means for Passengers

The DGCA’s proposed reforms come in response to growing passenger complaints about rigid airline policies, delayed refunds, and hidden charges. According to the draft, passengers would have the right to cancel or modify their tickets without paying any additional fee within 48 hours of booking, provided that the flight is at least seven days away.

This means if a traveler books a flight and later realizes they need to change their plans, they can do so at no cost within two days of purchase. Similarly, the new rule would require airlines to issue refunds within a maximum of 21 working days in all cases, including cancellations, delays, and flight disruptions.

These measures are aimed at ensuring that passengers do not lose their hard-earned money due to inflexible airline rules or refund delays.

Free Name Correction Within 24 Hours

Another passenger-friendly reform proposed in the draft is the allowance for free name correction within 24 hours of booking. Often, travelers make minor spelling errors while entering names during online bookings, a problem that can lead to boarding issues or additional fees later.

Under the proposed rule, airlines will have to permit one-time correction of such typographical errors in the passenger’s name free of charge if done within 24 hours of ticket purchase. This step could eliminate unnecessary penalties and stress for passengers who make small mistakes while booking.

Faster Refunds and Accountability

One of the biggest pain points for air travelers has been the long wait for refunds after cancellations or schedule changes. Currently, many passengers report waiting weeks or even months to receive their money back from airlines or travel agents.

The DGCA’s draft regulation sets a clear timeline: refunds must be processed within 21 working days from the date of cancellation. This includes tickets booked through airlines directly as well as those purchased via online travel agencies. Airlines will also be required to ensure that refunds are credited back to the same account used for payment, closing the loophole that often delays the refund process.

If an airline fails to comply with the timeline, it could face penalties under the new rules, signaling stronger consumer protection standards in the aviation sector.

Why the Changes Are Needed

Air travel in India has grown rapidly in the past decade, but so have complaints about poor customer service, hidden charges, and refund delays. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these gaps, as thousands of passengers struggled for months to get refunds for canceled flights.

The DGCA received numerous complaints and consumer petitions urging stricter oversight on airlines’ refund policies. The regulator’s new draft guidelines aim to bring fairness and accountability to airline operations, ensuring passengers are treated with respect and transparency.

These reforms also align with international best practices, where many countries already offer similar cancellation windows and refund timelines.

How Airlines Are Responding

While passengers have largely welcomed the move, airlines are showing mixed reactions. Some airline representatives argue that the 48-hour free cancellation policy could lead to booking uncertainty and revenue loss, as passengers might hold seats without firm travel plans.

Others, however, believe that the rule could enhance customer trust and improve airline reputation in the long run. Industry analysts suggest that airlines might adjust their pricing models or introduce flexible ticket options to balance passenger convenience with business sustainability.

A senior airline official commented anonymously, saying, “The aviation market in India is price-sensitive. Allowing free cancellations could encourage more people to book early with confidence, knowing they have flexibility. But we also need to ensure that last-minute cancellations do not disrupt operations.”

Consumer Reactions and Expert Views

Travelers and consumer rights groups have praised the DGCA’s proposal, calling it a much-needed reform. Many passengers say that the 48-hour window will give them peace of mind, especially when booking tickets far in advance for business or family trips.

Experts also believe the move will bring Indian aviation closer to global standards. Aviation analyst Pradeep Mehta explained, “These proposals strengthen the passenger’s position and increase transparency. Refund delays and cancellation penalties have long been pain points. The DGCA’s new rules could restore balance between customer rights and airline policies.”

Travel bloggers and frequent flyers have taken to social media to express their support, saying that flexibility and clarity in booking rules will encourage more people to choose air travel over other modes of transport.

Impact on Travel Agents and Online Platforms

The proposed rules will also impact online travel portals and agents, who often act as intermediaries between passengers and airlines. The DGCA’s 21-day refund policy will require them to process customer refunds within the same timeline, preventing situations where passengers are left waiting due to coordination delays.

Travel agencies will also need to update their booking systems to allow 48-hour free cancellations and 24-hour name corrections. This will likely increase operational transparency and improve customer satisfaction.

Industry insiders believe that online platforms will adapt quickly, as they already handle large volumes of flexible bookings and cancellations.

A Step Toward Passenger Empowerment

The DGCA’s move represents a shift toward a more passenger-centric aviation ecosystem. For years, passengers have faced rigid airline rules that left little room for genuine mistakes or plan changes. By offering free cancellations, faster refunds, and free name corrections, the regulator is empowering travelers with greater control over their bookings.

If the draft rules are approved after public consultation, India’s domestic air travel experience could become far more customer-friendly. These measures would not only enhance transparency but also build trust between airlines and passengers, a crucial factor in a growing aviation market.

What Happens Next

The DGCA has invited feedback from the public and stakeholders before finalizing the rules. After the consultation period, the finalized guidelines will be notified and implemented nationwide.

Airlines and travel platforms will then be required to update their booking policies, websites, and ticketing systems to comply with the new regulations. The aviation regulator will also monitor the implementation closely to ensure that passengers truly benefit from the changes.

Conclusion

The DGCA’s proposed reforms mark a major milestone in India’s aviation policy, aiming to make air travel more flexible, fair, and passenger-friendly. The promise of free ticket cancellation within 48 hours, faster 21-day refunds, and no-cost name corrections within 24 hours offers much-needed relief to millions of travelers.

By prioritizing customer convenience and accountability, these draft rules set a new benchmark for how airlines should treat their passengers. As India’s skies get busier, such reforms will help ensure that every journey begins with confidence and peace of mind.