Flight cancelled or delayed? How to get a refund in India
Updated 2026-10 · General information, not legal advice.
When an airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a refund or an alternative under DGCA rules. If the airline or the booking portal does not pay, you can escalate in steps.
When to use this
- The airline cancelled your flight and has not refunded you
- The refund is stuck with a travel portal or agent
- You were denied boarding or the flight was badly delayed
Step by step
- 1
Save your proof
Keep the ticket, booking ID, cancellation message and payment proof.
- 2
Complain to the airline
Use the airline's grievance email or form and ask for a refund to the original payment method. Note the complaint number.
- 3
If you booked through a portal
Complain to the portal as well. The refund usually comes through the same channel you paid with.
- 4
Escalate on AirSewa
Register the complaint on the Ministry of Civil Aviation's AirSewa portal, which sends it to the airline.
- 5
File at the Consumer Commission
Send a legal notice and, if unresolved, file at e-Jagriti for refund and compensation.
Key facts
- Ask for a refund to the original payment method, not just a voucher
- Time limit to file at the Consumer Commission is 2 years
- Check DGCA passenger rules for compensation on denied boarding or long delays
Get your free action plan
Tell us what happened. We show your options, draft the letters and track every deadline.
Common questions
Is a voucher the only option after cancellation?
No. You can ask for a refund. Accept a voucher only if you choose to.
What if the travel portal blames the airline?
Complain to both in writing. The portal that took your money is also answerable to you.