Your Flight Cancellation Rights in India — DGCA Rules Explained (2026)

When an airline cancels your flight, you have legal rights under DGCA rules. Most passengers don't know these rights and accept whatever the airline offers. Don't make that mistake.

Your Rights When Airlines Cancel

Option 1: Full Refund

You are entitled to a full refund of the ticket cost (including taxes and fees) within:

• 7 days if paid by card/UPI/net banking
• 30 days if paid through travel agent

Option 2: Alternative Flight

The airline must offer you a seat on the next available flight at no extra cost. If the next available flight is with a different airline, the cancelling airline should bear the cost difference.

Option 3: Rebooking Later

You can choose to fly on a different date/time of your choice without any change fee (subject to seat availability).

Compensation You're Entitled To

When Airlines DON'T Have to Compensate

• ❌ Weather-related cancellations (fog, storm, heavy rain)
• ❌ Air traffic control restrictions
• ❌ Security threats
• ❌ Airport closure

Even in these cases, the airline MUST offer a full refund or rebooking — they just don't have to pay additional compensation.

How to Claim Your Rights

1. Document everything — Keep your boarding pass, cancellation SMS/email, and any receipts
2. Ask at the counter — Request meals, hotel, and rebooking immediately at the airport
3. File written complaint — Use the airline's official complaint form within 30 days
4. Escalate to DGCA — If the airline doesn't respond within 30 days, file a complaint at airsewa.gov.in
5. Consumer court — For claims above ₹20,000, you can file a consumer complaint

DGCA AirSewa Portal

The AirSewa portal (airsewa.gov.in) is the government's official platform for aviation complaints. You can file online, and airlines are required to respond within 30 days.