Explained: What DGCA’s latest refund policy means for air travellers

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised airline ticket refund norms, offering greater clarity and faster reimbursements for travellers.

Under the new rules, which will come into effect from March 26, 2026, airlines will be required to process refunds for tickets booked through credit cards within seven days. For tickets purchased using cash, refunds must be issued immediately.

The updated regulations also introduce a 48-hour window for passengers to cancel or modify their bookings without incurring additional charges. However, this facility comes with specific conditions. For domestic flights, the waiver will not apply if the date of departure is less than seven days from the date of booking. In the case of international travel, the departure date must be at least 15 days away for passengers to avail themselves of the free cancellation or modification option.

Additionally, the DGCA has directed airlines not to levy extra charges for minor name corrections, provided the error is reported within 24 hours of booking.