Airline refund rules change: DGCA caps charges, mandates quick payouts for passengers

New DGCA rules, effective March 26, 2026, mandate faster air ticket refunds without extra charges to combat passenger complaints. Airlines must now issue refunds within strict timelines, offer full visibility, and cannot force credit shells, addressing delays and deductions.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• New DGCA rules, effective March 26, 2026, mandate faster air ticket refunds without extra charges to combat passenger complaints.
• Airlines must now issue refunds within strict timelines, offer full visibility, and cannot force credit shells, addressing delays and deductions.
• A 48-hour free cancellation window is also introduced, with caps on cancellation charges.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• Airlines must now issue refunds within strict timelines, offer full visibility, and cannot force credit shells, addressing delays and deductions.
• A 48-hour free cancellation window is also introduced, with caps on cancellation charges.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• A 48-hour free cancellation window is also introduced, with caps on cancellation charges.
• New DGCA rules, effective March 26, 2026, mandate faster air ticket refunds without extra charges to combat passenger complaints.
• Airlines must now issue refunds within strict timelines, offer full visibility, and cannot force credit shells, addressing delays and deductions.