Flight cancelled, refund stuck: DGCA refund rules (2026)

By Haqdaar · Published 2026-10-17 · Updated 2026-10-17

DGCA's revised CAR on airline ticket refunds, in force from 26 March 2026, requires card refunds within 7 days, cash refunds immediately, and refunds on travel-agent or portal bookings within 14 working days. The airline is responsible even if you booked through an agent, and it can't charge a refund-processing fee.

What should I do?

1. Collect the PNR, booking ID, payment mode and cancellation date.
2. Write to the airline's nodal officer (listed on its website), citing CAR Section 3, Series M, Part II.
3. No reply? File free on AirSewa (airsewa.gov.in) or call the National Consumer Helpline (1915).

Q&A

Portal blames the airline?

The CAR puts the refund onus on the airline because agents are its appointed representatives.

Taxes and airport fees?

Statutory taxes and UDF/ADF/PSF must be refunded on cancellation, non-use or no-show.

48-hour free cancellation?

The "look-in" option applies to bookings made directly on the airline's website, if departure is more than 7 days (domestic) or 15 days (international) away.

Sources

• DGCA, CAR Section 3, Series M, Part II, "Refund of Airline Tickets to Passengers of Public Transport Undertakings", effective 26 Mar 2026. Official index (Air Transport, Series M): https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp%2Fdgca%2FInventoryList%2FRegulationGuidance%2FCivilAviationRequirements%2FAirTransport%2FCAR-SeriesM.jsp
• Ministry of Civil Aviation, reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 6226, answered 2 Apr 2026 (confirms the CAR came into effect on 26 Mar 2026 and the 48-hour look-in option): https://sansad.in/getFile/lsapps/loksabhaquestions/annex/187/AU6226_eVBwHM.pdf
• AirSewa: https://airsewa.gov.in

Chat on WhatsApp →

This is general information, not legal advice. Haqdaar is not a law firm. Filing yourself is free.