Flying is undoubtedly one of the most convenient ways to travel, allowing you to reach your destination quickly and efficiently. However, the process of cancelling or rescheduling flights can often be frustrating. When you have to change or cancel your booking, receiving only a small refund can be quite disappointing. Thankfully, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a new plan that will allow travelers a 48-hour window to manage their flight bookings more flexibly. This proposal is currently open for public feedback until November 30 and will undergo final approval after considering all comments.
And while this sounds super promising, you must also know that the main feature of this proposal is a “Look-in-option,” giving passengers the option to modify their bookings within a set time period immediately after purchasing their tickets. The DGCA is seeking input on potential changes to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 3, which outlines the rules for cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds for passengers.
The Proposal To Cancel Or Reschedule Flights Is Open To Public Feedback Till November 30
However, it’s important to note that certain flights will be excluded from this option. This includes domestic flights departing within five days and international flights that are scheduled to leave within fifteen days of the booking date. The DGCA clarified that these limitations are intended to support both airlines’ operational needs and passenger flexibility during peak travel times.
Another crucial aspect of the proposal involves how refunds are managed. Passengers will not be compelled to accept credits or wallet balances but can opt for direct refunds instead. For those booking through travel agents, the DGCA plans to ensure timely refunds as well. The feedback process aims to gather a range of opinions to create regulations that benefit both the industry and travelers. Any changes will only be enacted after the feedback period concludes.
