Photo: Jack Soley, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. The domestic departure lounge at Mumbai airport. The photo does not show a cancellation.
Quick answer: If an airline cancels your flight, it must offer you an alternate flight or a refund, as you choose. DGCA’s rules also set compensation in some cases, from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 depending on flight length, but not when the cancellation is caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control. Refunds have deadlines: 7 days for card payments, and a working day limit for agent or portal bookings, where the airline is responsible. Start with the airline, keep written proof, and escalate to AirSewa or the consumer helpline if it does not respond.
This page summarises DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation rules as published, for information only. It is not legal advice. Rules and airline policies change, so read the current text. This site is independent and is not affiliated with any airline or regulator.
First, work out which kind of cancellation it is
| Situation | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| The airline cancels the flight | The airline must offer an alternate flight or a refund as acceptable to you. Compensation may apply, as set out below. |
| You cancel a ticket yourself | This is a voluntary cancellation. The fare rules apply, but statutory taxes and airport fees are refundable and the cancellation charge cannot exceed the basic fare plus fuel surcharge. |
| The airline changes the airport or terminal | If you are offered a flight to or from a different airport or terminal, the airline bears the cost of getting you there. If you were told at least 6 hours ahead, you arrange your own transfer (MoCA passenger charter). |
| The flight is delayed, not cancelled | Different rules apply. The DGCA rules cover delays separately, including an option of an alternate flight or refund for long delays. |
If the airline cancels your flight
- The airline must offer an alternate flight at no extra cost, or a refund, whichever you prefer (DGCA, know your rights).
- If you have already reached the airport and are waiting for the alternate flight, the airline must provide meals and refreshments.
- Where compensation applies, the amounts are Rs 5,000 for flights with a block time up to 1 hour, Rs 7,500 for more than 1 and up to 2 hours, and Rs 10,000 for more than 2 hours, or the booked one-way basic fare plus airline fuel charge, whichever is less. These are paid in addition to the full refund when you do not take an alternate flight (MoCA passenger charter).
- No compensation is payable if the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control, or if you did not give contact details at booking. The exact notice periods that decide compensation are in paragraph 3.3 of the DGCA rules (CAR Section 3, Series M, Part IV).
- Your own choice matters. DGCA says you are not entitled to compensation if you decline the alternate travel the airline offers.
Refunds: how long it should take
DGCA’s refund rules (CAR Section 3, Series M, Part II, revision dated 24 February 2026) set these minimum standards (DGCA refund requirement):
- Card payments: refund within 7 days of the cancellation, to the card holder’s account.
- Cash payments: refund immediately at the airline office where you bought the ticket.
- Booked through a travel agent or portal: the airline is responsible for the refund. DGCA’s text sets a working day limit for completing it, and the figure differs between editions (21 working days in an earlier edition, and 14 in a copy of the revision dated 24 February 2026), so check the current text on DGCA’s site.
- The airline must refund all statutory taxes and fees, and may not charge anything to process the refund.
- A credit shell (credit for future travel) is your choice, not the airline’s default.
- Foreign airlines flying to or from India refund under the rules of their home country, with the mode of refund following the same timelines.
Steps to take
- Save the cancellation message, your booking reference and the time you were told. Screenshots help.
- Tell the airline in writing which option you want, a refund or an alternate flight. Do this through the airline’s official site, app or email.
- If you booked through an agent or portal, you can still ask the airline, because the airline carries the refund responsibility under DGCA’s rules.
- Keep receipts for meals, transport and hotels if the airline did not provide them, in case you claim.
- If the airline does not respond, use its grievance process and keep the reference number.
- Escalate to the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s AirSewa portal or the National Consumer Helpline. The consumer forum is a further option.
Mumbai travellers: which airport?
Mumbai now has two airports with different codes, BOM for the existing airport and NMI for Navi Mumbai. Airlines are moving some flights between them, so check the airport on your ticket and in every airline message. If an airline moves your flight to the other airport, the rule above on transfer costs applies. See our Navi Mumbai airport guide, the Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai airport transfer guide and the guide to international flights moving to Navi Mumbai airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a refund if the airline cancels my flight?
Yes. The airline must offer an alternate flight or a refund as acceptable to you. If you do not accept the alternate flight, you are entitled to a refund.
Do I get compensation as well?
Sometimes. DGCA’s rules set Rs 5,000, Rs 7,500 or Rs 10,000 by flight length, or the basic fare plus fuel charge if lower, but not when the cancellation is beyond the airline’s control or you gave no contact details. Check paragraph 3.3 of the CAR.
How long does a refund take?
DGCA’s rules say 7 days for card payments, and cash refunds are immediate at the airline office. For agent or portal bookings the airline is responsible, and DGCA sets a working day limit that differs between editions (21 earlier, 14 in a copy of the 24 February 2026 revision), so check DGCA’s current text.
I booked through a travel portal. Who refunds me?
The airline carries the responsibility under DGCA’s rules and must complete the refund within the working day limit DGCA sets for agent and portal bookings. Start with the airline and the portal together.
Can the airline give me a credit shell instead of money?
Only if you choose it. Under DGCA’s rules the credit shell is the passenger’s option and not a default.
Where can I complain?
First to the airline and keep the reference number. Then the AirSewa portal or the National Consumer Helpline.
Sources
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Cancellation, compensation and facilities | DGCA CAR Section 3, Series M, Part IV |
| Summary of passenger rights | DGCA, know your rights and MoCA passenger charter |
| Refund timelines (24 February 2026 revision) | DGCA list of CARs, Part II, Rev. 3 dated 24 February 2026 |
| Complaints | AirSewa and National Consumer Helpline |
Checked 12 November 2026. Confirm the current rules with DGCA and your airline, especially for compensation entitlement and notice periods.
NaviMumbai.com is an independent information site and is not affiliated with any government body.
