India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has introduced a new rule allowing passengers to cancel or modify flight bookings within 48 hours without paying a penalty. The updated regulation will come into effect on March 26, 2026.

 Following the announcement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation stated that passengers will be given a 48-hour “look-in” window after booking a ticket. During this period, travellers can cancel or modify their reservation without paying any cancellation charges. The regulator said the change has been introduced as part of an update to the country’s civil aviation requirements related to ticket refunds and passenger rights.

Implementation Timeline of the New Rule:

The revised regulation will come into force on March 26, giving airlines some time to align their booking systems and refund processes with the new requirement. According to DGCA, the move is aimed at improving passenger convenience and bringing greater transparency to ticket cancellation policies across airlines operating in India.

Refund Processing Timeline:

Passengers will also benefit from clearer refund timelines under the updated rules. If a ticket is purchased using a credit card, airlines will be required to process the refund within 7 days. For other forms of payment, the refund must be completed within 14 working days.

Conditions for the 48-Hour Free Cancellation:

However, the new rule will apply only under specific conditions. The 48-hour window will be available shortly after a ticket is booked, allowing passengers to correct mistakes or reconsider their travel plans without paying a cancellation charge. The provision generally applies only if the booking is made a certain number of days before departure, and airlines may still follow their fare rules outside this window. The regulator said the measure is intended to balance passenger flexibility with airline operational requirements.

The move is expected to provide greater flexibility for travellers, particularly in situations where bookings are made in haste or plans change shortly after purchasing a ticket. By introducing the provision, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation aims to strengthen passenger rights and reduce disputes related to cancellation charges. Industry observers say the policy could also encourage more confidence among travellers when booking flights, knowing they have a short window to review their plans.

Airlines operating in India will now need to adjust their booking systems and customer service processes to accommodate the new rule introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The change could lead to a short-term rise in ticket modifications or cancellations within the permitted window, but it is also expected to improve transparency in airline pricing and policies. For the industry, the regulation reflects a broader push toward strengthening passenger protections while maintaining a balanced operating environment for carriers.