Flight Ticket Refund Not Received? How to Track & Claim Your Refund

What Happens When Your Flight Ticket Refund is Not Received?

When you cancel a flight or your flight gets cancelled by the airline, you are entitled to a refund as per DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) rules. However, many passengers face delays or non-receipt of refunds. This guide explains how to track, claim, and escalate your flight ticket refund in India.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with any airline or government body. Always verify details on the official DGCA website.

Airline Refund Policy in India (DGCA Rules)

When Airlines Cancel the Flight

If the airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to:

• Full refund of the ticket price (including taxes and fees)
• Refund must be processed within 7 days for cash/card payments
• Refund must be processed within 7 days for credit shell/wallet (if you agree)

When You Cancel the Flight

If you cancel the ticket, the refund depends on:

Refund Timeline by Payment Method

How to Track Your Flight Refund

Step 1: Check Airline Website or App

1. Log in to the airline's website or app
2. Go to My Bookings or Manage Booking
3. Find your cancelled booking and check refund status
4. Note the refund reference number if available

Step 2: Check Your Bank Statement

• Look for the refund credit in your bank or credit card statement
• Refunds may appear as a separate transaction (not always with the airline name)
• For credit cards, check the unbilled transactions section

Step 3: Contact the Airline

1. Call the airline's customer care helpline
2. Provide your PNR number and booking reference
3. Ask for the refund processing date and ARN (Acquirer Reference Number)
4. Use the ARN to track with your bank

How to File a DGCA Complaint (AirSewa Portal)

If the airline does not process your refund within the stipulated time:

Step 1: Visit AirSewa Portal

Go to https://AirSewa.gov.in/ — this is the official DGCA grievance portal.

Step 2: Register and Log In

1. Create an account with your mobile number and email
2. Verify via OTP

Step 3: File Your Complaint

1. Click on Grievance → Create Grievance
2. Select the airline name
3. Enter your PNR number, flight details, and booking date
4. Describe the issue — mention refund not received, amount, and days elapsed
5. Upload supporting documents (booking confirmation, cancellation email, bank statement)
6. Submit the complaint

Step 4: Track the Complaint

• You will receive a complaint reference number
• Airlines are required to respond within 15 days
• Track status on the AirSewa portal or app

Credit Card Chargeback Option

If the airline does not refund after 30+ days, you can initiate a chargeback through your credit card issuer:

1. Call your credit card bank's customer care
2. Request a chargeback/dispute for the airline transaction
3. Provide: transaction date, amount, merchant name, and proof of non-refund
4. The bank will investigate and may reverse the charge within 30–90 days
5. Keep all documentation — booking confirmation, cancellation proof, complaint copies

Important: Chargeback must typically be filed within 120 days of the transaction date.

Escalation Steps

Important Tips

1. Save all proof — keep screenshots of booking confirmation, cancellation, and all emails from the airline
2. Note the ARN — the Acquirer Reference Number helps your bank trace the refund
3. Don't wait too long — if refund is not received within 15 days, immediately file on AirSewa
4. Check credit shell — some airlines issue refunds as credit shell by default; check your airline account wallet
5. Travel agents add delay — if booked through a travel agent (MakeMyTrip, Goibibo etc.), the refund goes to the agent first, then to you

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How long does a flight ticket refund take in India?

Refunds typically take 7–14 business days for card payments and 5–10 days for UPI/net banking. If booked via a travel agent, it may take up to 30 days.

Q2. Where can I complain if my flight refund is not received?

File a complaint on the AirSewa portal (AirSewa.gov.in) which is the official DGCA grievance redressal platform. You can also call the AirSewa helpline at 1800-11-4646.

Q3. Can I get a full refund if the airline cancels my flight?

Yes. If the airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund including all taxes and fees, as per DGCA regulations.

Q4. What is a credit card chargeback for flight refund?

A chargeback is when your credit card bank reverses the transaction amount back to your account after you dispute non-receipt of refund. File it within 120 days of the original transaction.

Q5. Is flight refund taxable in India?

No. A flight refund is a return of your own money and is not considered income. It is not taxable.

Q6. Can I file a consumer complaint for flight refund?

Yes. You can file a complaint on consumerhelpline.gov.in or approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum if the airline or agent does not process your refund.

Related guides: See our flight delay compensation guide for your rights when flights are delayed.