How Can I Cancel an Air India Ticket in 2025 Without Extra Charges?

Life is unpredictable. Sometimes, even the best travel plans have to change. Whether it’s a family emergency, last-minute work, or a simple change of mind, cancelling a flight can feel like a stressful task. But if you’ve booked with Air India, the process doesn’t have to be confusing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cancelling an Air India ticket in 2025. From refund rules to cancellation charges, online cancellation steps to rebooking options, we’ve got it all covered. If you're wondering how to cancel your ticket without incurring significant financial loss, this blog is for you.

What Are the Reasons Passengers Cancel Air India Tickets?

There are many reasons people cancel their travel plans, and most of them are completely valid. Air India understands this and offers multiple cancellation options, both online and offline.

Some of the most common reasons include:

• A change in personal or family plans

• Medical emergencies or sudden health issues

• Visa delays or documentation problems

• Weather conditions affecting flight schedules

• Last-minute changes in work or business plans

No matter the reason, it’s important to know your options. Cancelling at the right time and in the right way can help you save money and avoid unnecessary charges.

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Can I Cancel an Air India Ticket Online Without Going to the Counter?

Yes, you absolutely can. Air India allows passengers to cancel their bookings online through the official website or mobile app. This is the easiest and fastest way to cancel your ticket, especially if you booked it directly.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You can cancel tickets by visiting the official website of Air India and clicking on the “Manage Booking” section.

• Enter your booking reference number (PNR) and last name to retrieve your booking.

• Once the booking appears, choose the flight you want to cancel and follow the prompts.

• After cancellation, you will receive a confirmation email. Refunds (if applicable) will be processed soon after.

If you booked your ticket through Flightsquest or any other travel agent or another platform, you will need to contact them directly to cancel or change your booking. Air India cannot modify such tickets directly.

Also, if you booked your flight from the U.S. within the last 24 hours and it’s at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel it for free, thanks to U.S. Department of Transportation rules.

Also read How To Get Cheap Flights Tickets?

Can I Cancel My Flight at the Airport on the Day of Departure?

Technically, yes, you can cancel your Air India flight at the airport, even on the same day as departure. However, this is not ideal unless it’s a genuine emergency. Last-minute cancellations often come with higher charges and lower chances of getting any refund. In most cases, you’ll lose the full ticket value if you cancel too close to the flight time.

Still, if something urgent happens, like a medical issue or personal emergency, you can visit the Air India check-in counter at the airport and request cancellation. Be prepared to show valid documents if needed. If your ticket is refundable and within the allowed cancellation window (usually at least 2–4 hours before departure), some portion of the fare may be refunded after deducting cancellation charges.

To avoid the stress and extra cost, it’s always better to cancel or reschedule your ticket online at least a few hours before the flight. This gives you more control and saves you from last-minute penalties.

Can I Cancel My Air India Flight and Rebook for Another Date?

Yes, you can. Air India allows passengers to cancel their flights and rebook for a different date, but it comes with some conditions. If you’re changing your travel plans rather than cancelling them completely, this is a useful option. You’ll usually have to pay a change fee, and if your new flight is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the fare difference as well.

For example, if your original ticket cost $300 and the new flight is priced at $370, you’ll have to pay the $70 difference plus a possible rebooking fee of around $50. The exact cost depends on the fare class and how early you make the change. Rebooking is often more affordable and flexible if your ticket is in the Flex or Business class category. Saver fares may have stricter rules or may not allow changes at all.

To rebook, you can log in to the Air India website, go to "Manage Booking," and choose the "Reschedule" or "Change Flight" option. You’ll see the fare difference and charges before confirming. 

What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Cancel an Air India Ticket Online?

Cancelling your Air India ticket online is fairly simple and can be done in less than 5 minutes. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

• Visit www.airindia.com.

• Click on the “Manage Booking” tab on the homepage

• Enter your PNR (booking reference) and last name

• Select the flight you wish to cancel from your itinerary

• Click on “Cancel Ticket” and confirm your choice

• You will receive a cancellation confirmation via email

• Refunds (if applicable) will be processed to your original payment method within 7–21 days

If you face any issues, Air India’s customer support team is available to help. You can also cancel through their mobile app using the same steps.

Keep in mind that bookings made through travel agents or other platforms cannot be cancelled directly through Air India’s website. You must contact the source from which you booked the ticket.

Conclusion  

Cancelling your Air India ticket doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. The key is to know your fare type, understand the cancellation charges, and cancel in time. If your plans change, acting early can help you get a better refund or avoid high fees. Whether you're cancelling online, through customer support, or at the airport, having the right information makes the process smoother.

While Air India allows cancellation through its website and app, always check whether your booking is eligible for an online refund. Tickets booked through travel agents or with miles might follow different rules.

Planning your next trip? Use Flightsquest to compare prices, check airline policies, and book your next journey easily. From cheap flights to flexible booking options, Flightsquest helps you travel smarter, so you're always ready, even when plans change.

FAQs 

1. Can I cancel my Air India ticket if I booked it through a travel website?

If you booked through a third-party site, you must cancel through them, not directly with Air India.

2. Will I get a refund if I miss my Air India flight and didn’t cancel it?

Usually no. Missing a flight without cancelling it is treated as a no-show, and most or all of your fare will be forfeited.

3. Does Air India charge extra for cancelling tickets booked in the U.S.?

Not extra, but U.S. bookings follow the 24-hour refund rule. After that window, regular cancellation fees apply based on fare class. 

4. What happens if I cancel a group booking with multiple passengers?

For group bookings, you must contact Air India directly. Cancelling part of the group may affect pricing or benefits applied earlier.

5. How long are Air India travel vouchers valid after cancellation?

Most vouchers are valid for 6 to 12 months. The exact validity is mentioned on the voucher or in your confirmation email.

6. Are infant tickets refundable if I cancel the adult ticket?

If the adult ticket is cancelled, the infant ticket can be cancelled too. Refunds depend on the fare type booked for both.

7. How do I cancel my Air India ticket if I used miles from a partner airline?

You’ll need to contact the airline whose miles you used. Partner airlines handle their own cancellation and refund policies.

8. Can I get my refund in U.S. dollars if I booked using Indian rupees?

No, refunds are processed in the original currency of payment. If you paid in INR, your refund will be in INR even for international routes.