New Aviation Rules Require Clear Upfront Details on Ticket Cancellations and Refunds

Airlines must now clearly show cancellation charges and refund conditions separately when displaying airfares to passengers under new aviation rules notified by the government. These rules fall under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2026, which the civil aviation ministry notified on October 26 and published in the Gazette of India on October 31. They will start on January 1, 2027, and replace the old Aircraft Rules from 1937.

Rules and Requirements

The framework comes from the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which replaced the old Aircraft Act of 1934 after passing through Parliament and receiving presidential assent in December 2024. Under Rule 192 of the new 2026 rules, airlines need to show the full amount a passenger must pay on booking websites and on the actual ticket. This display must include a complete break-up of the fare, taxes, fees, cancellation charges, refund conditions, and any extra charges.

Applicability and Oversight

These mandates apply to both Indian airlines and foreign carriers running scheduled flights to, from, or across India. All these airlines must also publish their ticket prices on digital platforms as specified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Indian scheduled carriers must submit their tariffs to the DGCA so the regulator can monitor them. While airlines still set their own prices under normal conditions, the Central government can step in with written directions during extraordinary situations.

Context

These updated regulations aim to bring more financial transparency to air travel by ensuring passengers see all potential costs and refund terms before purchasing tickets. The aviation sector operates under strict regulatory oversight to balance fair pricing for flyers with the operational needs of airlines.