Your airline cancels flight to Saudi Arabia?:Here’s how you can get full refund; what rights you have if carrier declines refund?

If your flight to Saudi Arabia was cancelled, the government of India’s aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guarantees your right to a full refund. Airlines must refund money within set timelines and cannot force you to opt for a rescheduled flight. The rules apply to all domestic and foreign airlines operating in India. Airlines Must Issue Refunds Within Set Timelines Passenger complaints regarding delayed refunds and forced rescedules had led the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA to set clear benchmark rules. Under these rules, airlines must process ticket refunds based on how the ticket was purchased.In In How Many Days Carrier Credits Back Refund Depend On How You Buy Tickets? Money will be returned immediately If the payment was made using a credit card, then the airline will have to refund the ticket within seven days of the scheduled departure of the flight. If the flier had booked tickets through any third party travel agent like Make My Trip, Ixigo, etc, then he will get a refund within 14 days. The responsibility for the refund rests entirely with the airline. Full Tax Refunds Mandatory Even on Non-Refundable Fares Airlines cannot keep statutory taxes or airport fees when a flight is cancelled or unused. The DGCA rules state that airlines must return all statutory taxes, User Development Fee (UDF), Airport Development Fee (ADF), and Passenger Service Fee (PSF). This rule applies to all fare types, including promotional rates, special discounted fares, and tickets where the basic fare is non-refundable. Airlines are also strictly forbidden from charging any extra processing fee to process a refund. Free 48-Hour Cancellation Window Passengers who book directly on an airline website get a 48-hour “Look-in option” after booking. During this 48-hour window, passengers can cancel or change their ticket without paying cancellation charges. They only need to pay the fare difference if the new flight fare is higher. This 48-hour facility is available only if the flight departure date is at least 7 days away for domestic flights, or 15 days away for international flights. When Airlines Have Right To Not Give You Refunds? If the reason behind the cancellation was beyond the control of the airline then, the DGCA grants the carrier the right to deny extending facility to refund the ticket to passengers. Such reasons are listed below: What To Do If Airline Declines Refund? It is binding upon the airline to contact the affected passenger and ensure that he or she is informed about all the requisite facilities they can avail-of. If the carrier has denied or not processed the the flight ticket refund, then, the DGCA empowers the grieved flier to approach the following entities: When affected by cancellation, the passenger may complain directly to the airline if it has not credited back the money If the flier is not satisfied by the feedback given by the carrier, then he may file the grievance on GoI’s Air Sewa App or Portal. If the passenger is not satisfied with the resolution of grievance by airline and/or Air Sewa, the passenger has liberty to complain to any statutory body or court.

Which Indian Airlines Cancelled Flights En Route To Saudi Arabia? In view of the prevailing security situation in West Asia, Akasa Air had extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh until October 24, 2026, and Jeddah until October 21, 2026. Air India and Air India Express had also temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until 24 October 2026. Guests whose flights have been cancelled may also opt for a full refund if they choose not to travel. -Air India Air India Express Air India Helpline No: +91 1169329333 / +91 1169329999 Air India Express Helpline No: +91 124 693 5600 IndiGo said that following a careful assessment of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah stand cancelled until 24 October 2026.