Air India Flight Cancellation Policy | How to Cancel & Get a Refund

Air India follows a set of fixed rules for flight cancellations that apply to both domestic and international flight tickets. Once you book flights, these rules determine whether you can cancel a ticket, how much refund you may receive, and which charges may apply. 

The policy works in a structured way, so the outcome depends on a few clear factors.

• Time of cancellation
• Fare type booked
• Route type (domestic or international)
• Cabin class 

24-Hour Free Cancellation Rule

Air India offers free cancellation if the ticket is cancelled within 24 hours of flight booking. This rule applies only when the travel date is at least 7 days away. In this case, the passenger receives a full refund, and no cancellation charge is appliedton flight ticket.

Cancellation After 24 Hours

If a ticket is cancelled more than 24 hours after booking, cancellation charges will apply. These charges depend on the fare family, such as Value, Classic or Flex. The amount also changes based on how close the cancellation is to the departure time.

Domestic and International Flights

For domestic flights, cancellation charges are usually fixed and depend on the fare type and timing. Cancellation charges for international flights are often calculated as a percentage of the ticket fare. In most of cases, the rate ranges between 20% and 30% and it may increase if the cancellation is close to departure.

No-Show Rule

If a passenger does not cancel the ticket before departure or misses the flight then Air India applies the no-show rule. In this case, the base fare is not refunded. Only applicable airport taxes may be refunded, subject to the ticket conditions.

Refund Processing Time

Refunds can be requested up to two years from the ticket issue date. For refundable tickets, Air India usually processes refunds within 7 to 10 working days. Refunds related to taxes or non-refundable fares may take longer time.

Important Points to Check: Cancellation rules may vary by booking channel, promotional fares, or special waivers announced by Air India. Passengers should always check the fare conditions mentioned on the ticket or manage the booking through Air India’s official website or mobile app for accurate details.

Air India offers different ticket types, and each ticket type has its own cancellation charges. The amount charged during cancellation depends on the fare selected at the time of booking and how close the cancellation is to the departure time.

Value Fare

Value fares have the highest cancellation restrictions. In most cases, the base fare is not refunded if the ticket is cancelled. Only airport taxes may be refunded, depending on the ticket conditions. These fares are suitable when travel plans are fixed.

Classic Fare

Classic fares allow ticket cancellation with a fixed charge. If the ticket is cancelled earlier, the charge is usually lower. If the cancellation is done closer to the departure date, the charge increases. The remaining amount is refunded after the cancellation fee is deducted.

Flex Fare

Flex fares offer more flexibility compared to other fare types. Cancellation charges are lower,, and in some cases, early cancellations are allowed without a fee. A small fee may still apply if the cancellation is made close to departure.

Important Tip: Cancellation rules can vary based on fare conditions, promotional offers or the booking channel. Passengers should always check the fare rules mentioned on the ticket or manage the booking through Air India’s official website or mobile app.

Air India applies cancellation charges based on the number of hours remaining before the scheduled departure time. The closer the cancellation is to departure, the higher the charge usually becomes. These rules apply to both domestic and international flights.

Made Well Before Departure

If a passenger cancels a ticket well before the departure date, the cancellation charge is usually lower. In some flexible fare types, cancellation may be allowed without any fee if it is done before the specified time window, such as more than 72 hours before departure. The exact rule depends on the fare type booked.

Closer to Departure

If a ticket is cancelled closer to the departure time, higher cancellation charges apply. For example, a Flex fare may allow free cancellation earlier, but a fixed fee applies if the cancellation happens within a shorter time window. The refund amount reduces because the airline has a limited time to resell the seat.

Very Close to Departure

If a ticket is cancelled very close to the departure time, the highest cancellation charge usually applies. In this case, a large portion of the ticket fare may be deducted as a fee,, leaving a very low refund.

Air India may allow free cancellation or complimentary rescheduling under specific situations announced by the airline. These waivers are usually issued during unexpected events, such as safety issues, severe weather, operational disruptions or government advisories.

When a special waiver is active, passengers can cancel or change their flights without paying the standard cancellation charges, provided the booking falls within the announced travel dates, routes or ticket issue period. Air India publishes the exact waiver conditions for each event.

For tickets covered under a waiver, passengers may be eligible for:

• a full refund, or
• a free date change, depending on the announcement

These options are available only during the validity period.

Special waivers apply only to eligible bookings. Passengers must check whether their ticket qualifies based on the travel date, route, fare type and ticket issue date.

Waiver-based cancellations and changes should be completed through Air India’s official website, mobile app, or the original booking channel. Supporting documents may be required in some instances.

Passengers are advised to check Air India’s official updates or contact the booking partner to confirm waiver eligibility before cancelling a ticket.

Air India’s cancellation policy defines the standard rules for refunds and charges, but travellers who need extra flexibility can add Trip Shield when booking through Flightmojo. This add-on works along with the airline’s cancellation policy and provides additional refund protection.

Trip Shield is available as an optional feature when you book an Air India flight ticket on Flightmojo. If you select Trip Shield during booking, you can cancel your ticket and receive a full refund without any deduction.

This option is practical when travel plans are uncertain, because it helps reduce the risk of losing money after cancellation. Trip Shield refunds follow the terms and conditions shown at the time of booking and apply only if the add-on is selected before payment is completed.

When you cancel an Air India flight, it is essential to understand the airline’s cancellation rules and use a booking platform that makes it easy to apply them. Flightmojo supports travellers by clearly explaining Air India’s cancellation policy and assisting with bookings and cancellations.

Flightmojo has over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, with more than 400,000 successful bookings, partnerships with 50+ domestic and international airlines, and 24/7 customer support via calls, email, and WhatsApp.

Air India’s cancellation policy for 2026 explains how refunds, charges and exceptional cases work, which is useful when travel plans change. Before cancelling a ticket, passengers should check the fare type, cancellation time and refund rules. For extra protection, options like Trip Shield on Flightmojo can help reduce refund loss and make cancellation easier.