Flight Cancellation Policies for Major Airlines in India

Flight plans are subject to change - sometimes work obligations can arise, family emergencies come up, and sometimes sudden weather changes can disrupt travel plans. That’s why it is beneficial to understand the cancellation policies of major airlines in India prior to booking a flight. Each airline will have unique rules in terms of getting a refund, cancellation costs, and rescheduling a flight. To highlight the airlines’ differences and help you plan for the unexpected, this guide aims to detail the airlines’ ideas about cancellations in 2025 (even it is not 2025 but it’s wise to plan ahead now to avoid complications later.

Why is it important to understand cancellation policies? 💡

Saves you from hidden fees.

Translates to better decision-making with respect to cancelling or re-scheduling.

Gets you back as much refund or credit as possible.

Reduces last-minute travel stress.

At NextGenTrip.com we always want you to see the cancellation and refund rules upfront for confidence in your flight booking.

1. IndiGo Airlines ✈️

This is India’s largest carrier and IndiGo follows a slab-based cancellation policy:

- Domestic Flights: Cancellation charge of ₹3,000-3,500/pax (if cancelled closer to the flight (0-3 days)). If the flight is cancelled earlier, a lesser charge will be applicable.

- International flights - the cancellation charges are based on the route and ticket type

- Refunds will be made to the original payment method or credit shell

2. Air India 🏆

As being India’s national carrier, Air India has more flexibility:

- Domestic flights - starting cancellation costs will be under ₹3,000/pax.

- International flights - will have cancellation charges based on fare class (Economy, Premium, Business).

Special Note: If you cancel a flight reservation within 24 hours of booking (and flight is 7 or more days away from departure), you can receive a FULL REFUND

3. Vistara 🌟

You can expect premium service from Vistara, and their cancellation rules are the same low-cost airline standards we typically find:

For domestic flights: expect to pay ₹2,500-3,500 depending on the fare type.

For international flights: charges will vary for long-haul routes.

Flexi fares: will allow for reduced cancellation or free changes.

4. SpiceJet 🌶️

As a low-cost airline, SpiceJet will have stricter cancellation rules:

For domestic flights: expect to pay about ₹3,000 per pax.

For international flights: charges will vary depending on where you go and the type of ticket you purchase.

Refunds: usually provided as a credit shell (valid for 12 months) at a further crediting fee.

5. Akasa Air 🚀

Akasa Air is India's newest airline and is mostly trying to be competitive, cancellation rules match with low-cost carrier standards:

For domestic flights: usually around ₹3,000 for last minute cancellations.

Rescheduling: pay the fare difference.

Refunds are returned directly to the account you used for payment.

Pro Tips to Save on Cancellations 💡

1. Book Flexi Fares – they may be slightly more expensive at the front end, but cancellation charges are less.

2. Cancel Early – Fees get higher the nearer you are to departure.

3. Check 24 Hour Rule – some airlines may allow you to cancel within 24 hours free of charge.

4. Get Travel Insurance – if you have cancellations due to medical reasons and/or forced extenuating circumstances.

5. Use NextGenTrip.com – we show you cancellation fees before you book.

Why Book with NextGenTrip.com? 🌟

At NextGenTrip.com we aim to make cancellations easy and transparent:

Display the airline's cancellation rules on the booking screen.

Provide instant support when a refund or rescheduling is necessary.

Provide fare alerts + Flexi booking options to minimize risk.

Designed to help you save with family-friendly fares and special corporate rates.

Key Takeaways 💡

While flight cancellations can be a headache, we have shared the policies of five Canadian airlines (IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air) so you can plan better. Remember to always read the fare rules prior to booking and whenever possible use flexible fares or purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against costly penalties.

👉 Book your next flight with NextGenTrip.com and know the cancellation rules in advance, get better deals, and worry less when planning your trip.