India Allows Free Air Ticket Cancellation or Changes Within 48 Hours of Booking

Air passengers in India can now cancel or modify their flight bookings within 48 hours of purchase without paying additional charges under new regulatory provisions.

The updated guideline has been introduced by the DGCA to strengthen passenger rights and improve transparency in airline ticketing practices.

Under the new rule, travellers who change their plans shortly after booking will not face extra fees, provided the cancellation or modification is made within the specified 48‑hour window and aligns with the airline’s booking conditions.

The move is expected to offer greater flexibility for passengers, particularly those who make advance reservations or need to adjust travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances.

Industry observers note that such consumer‑friendly policies can enhance trust in the aviation sector while balancing operational considerations for airlines.

Further clarifications regarding implementation timelines and specific applicability across carriers are expected as airlines align their systems with the updated regulation.