Air India Cancellation & Refund Policy
Quick answer: Air India lets you cancel or correct a booking free within 24 hours when booked at least 7 days before departure, per DGCA. Beyond that, cancellation fees depend on your Smart Fare tier (lowest on Flex, highest on the most restrictive Value/Comfort fares) and cabin. Taxes are generally refundable, and refunds return to the original payment method.
Last reviewed June 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · summarised from the official Air India policy and DGCA passenger-rights rules. Fees and rules change — always confirm on airindia.com before booking.
24-hour free window
Free cancellation or correction within 24 hours of booking when made 7+ days before departure, as mandated by DGCA.
Smart Fare cancellation fees
Fees scale with the fare tier — most flexible fares (Flex) have the lowest or no change/cancel fees, while the cheapest fares carry higher penalties. Premium cabins are generally more flexible.
Refunds
Statutory taxes are typically refundable even on non-refundable fares. Refunds go to the original payment method; agent bookings are processed via the agent, following DGCA timelines.
Air India cancellation — FAQ
Does Air India offer free 24-hour cancellation?
Yes, within 24 hours of booking if booked 7+ days before departure, per DGCA rules.
Which Air India fare is most flexible to cancel?
The Flex tier of Smart Fares carries the lowest change/cancellation penalties; the cheapest fares carry the highest.
Are taxes refunded if I cancel a non-refundable Air India ticket?
Yes, statutory taxes and certain fees are generally refundable even when the base fare is not.
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