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India aviation regulator

New Delhi, India: Flight operations across several Indian carriers were disrupted on Tuesday after volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption drifted toward major West Asia and India-bound air corridors. Airlines including Air India, Akasa Air and IndiGo cancelled or rerouted multiple flights as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent advisory enforcing strict avoidance of ash-affected airspace. The DGCA directed airlines to steer clear of regions and flight levels identified as contaminated by volcanic ash. The regulator also instructed carriers to reassess flight plans, fuel requirements and alternates, and to file immediate reports of any suspected ash encounters. The advisory highlighted the risk to aircraft engines and airframes, and asked operators to conduct additional inspections for any aircraft that may have flown near the affected zones. Airports were simultaneously ordered to check runways, aprons and taxiways for possible ash contamination and initiate cleaning procedures if required. Air India cancelled 11 flights over the past 24 hours, stating that precautionary checks were needed on aircraft that might have traversed areas close to the ash plume. The airline said it was monitoring volcanic-ash advisories in coordination with international aviation agencies and had not observed any major operational impact beyond temporary cancellations. Akasa Air suspended several India–Gulf flights, including services to Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, citing the need to avoid ash-affected airspace over the Arabian Peninsula. The airline offered full refunds and complimentary rebooking for passengers scheduled to travel on 24 and 25 November. IndiGo reported multiple cancellations as well, noting that its operations team was adjusting routes in real time based on ash-movement maps issued by global meteorological centres. At least six flights including services from Mumbai and southern metros were grounded as a precaution. Volcanic ash can severely damage aircraft by melting inside engines, clogging ventilation systems and affecting sensors. Following ICAO protocols, Indian carriers have shifted flight paths and temporarily halted services operating along westbound routes that intersect the plume’s trajectory. Although the ash cloud was observed at high altitudes reducing the likelihood of direct impact on surface visibility, aviation authorities stressed that even small concentrations can be hazardous for high-altitude jet operations. Meteorological agencies indicated that the ash plume continued its eastward movement toward China after passing over northern India. Airlines said normal operations would resume once updated advisories confirm the clearing of affected corridors. Indian regulators and carriers remain on heightened watch, treating the event as a significant international air-safety incident requiring continuous monitoring.

Ethiopia Volcano Ash Disrupts Indian Flight Operations; DGCA Issues Safety Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / November 25, 2025

New Delhi, India: Flight operations across several Indian carriers were disrupted on Tuesday after volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi […]

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has proposed new passenger-centric rules aimed at increasing transparency and flexibility in air travel. The draft policy includes a 48-hour free cancellation and amendment window and a stricter 21-day refund timeline for all flight bookings. According to the draft released by the DGCA, passengers will be allowed to cancel or modify their tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying any cancellation or change fee, provided that the scheduled departure is at least five days away for domestic flights and fifteen days for international flights. The proposed rules, currently open for stakeholder feedback, are designed to address frequent passenger complaints over steep cancellation fees, refund delays, and lack of transparency in ticket pricing. “This proposal aims to ensure greater transparency and passenger convenience by streamlining refund and cancellation processes,” DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai told The Times of India. Key Highlights of the Proposed Policy 48-Hour Free Cancellation: Passengers can cancel or modify flight bookings within two days of purchase without incurring airline-imposed penalties. Only fare differences, if applicable, will be charged. 21-Day Refund Deadline: Airlines will be required to process refunds within 21 working days, including tickets booked through travel agents or third-party portals. Transparency in Charges: Airlines must clearly disclose cancellation and rescheduling fees before ticket purchase and will not be allowed to impose additional “processing” or “administrative” fees. Refund of Taxes and Fees: Passengers cancelling unused or partially used tickets will be eligible for refunds on all applicable taxes, including user development and airport service charges. Medical and Emergency Cancellations: In the event of medical emergencies or death of a passenger, airlines will be encouraged to provide full refunds or offer credit shells without penalty. Applicability to Foreign Airlines: The DGCA clarified that these rules will also apply to foreign carriers operating flights to and from India, ensuring uniformity across operators. The move comes after growing dissatisfaction among travellers over high cancellation costs and delayed refunds, issues that surged during the pandemic period. Passenger-rights advocates have hailed the proposal as a progressive step toward improving consumer protection and restoring confidence in air travel. A senior airline executive, quoted by The Economic Times, said that while the policy may require operational adjustments, it will “ultimately help build passenger trust and promote advance bookings.” The DGCA has invited feedback from airlines, consumer bodies, and the public before finalising the rules. Once approved, the new provisions will be incorporated into the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV, which governs refund and cancellation regulations in India. Industry experts believe the initiative could bring India’s aviation consumer policies closer to global standards followed in the United States and Europe, where passengers are entitled to flexible cancellations and prompt refunds.

DGCA Proposes 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window And Faster Refunds For Air Travellers

Aviation Today News Desk / November 10, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has proposed new passenger-centric rules aimed at

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