Flight Cancelled? Here’s How to Get Refund in India: Step-by-Step Guide

Flight Cancelled: Cancellations are frustrating, but if you’re booked on any Indian domestic or international airline, you may apply for a refund or compensation according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directives. Preemptively clarifying the process will save time, money, and trouble.

Step 1: Wait for Official Confirmation

After your flight has been cancelled, the airline will be compelled to inform you by phone, SMS, or mail at least 24 hours prior. In case they fail to do so, then you can claim additional compensation as well as the refund.

Step 2: Receive an Immediate Refund

You can get a refund by:

Airline website or app

Customer service hotline

Reservation office or website if you’ve booked with them

Refunds would be processed in 7 working days in case of credit/debit card and wallet bookings. In case of cash bookings, it will be 30 days.

Step 3: Know What Charges Are
If an airline cancels your ticket, you will get refunded along with tax and convenience charges. But in a voluntary cancellation, there may be an airline policy-initiated cancellation charge depending on the type of fare.

Typical refunds in the event of voluntary cancellations are:

Cancellation fee (dependent on airline and urgency)

Convenience or processing fee

Partial fare refund if done within the 24–48 hour time frame

Step 4: What If Airline Won’t Accept Refund?

In case an airline denies a rightful refund or keeps it pending, you can:

Complain to the grievance redressal department of the airline

Complain on DGCA’s AirSewa portal or mobile application

Also Read: Air India Suspends and Reduces International Flights

Approach a consumer court as a last resort

Stay Informed, Travel Confidently

Though delayed flights are maddening, Indian tourists are extremely well protected under DGCA guidelines. Always read the cancellation policy and refund policy while booking, and keep your interaction with the airline documented. Knowledge is power and empowers you to ask for what’s yours, without unnecessary anguish.