For air passengers in India, knowing about the refund policy of a leading airline such as IndiGo is important, particularly when flights are cancelled or rescheduled and even when they voluntarily cancel their tickets. IndiGo Refund Policy and cancellation terms are normally clearly stated, and in cases like disruptions, they even do some extra things. In this article, you will learn about IndiGo refund policy adapted under various situations and what exactly your rights as a passenger are, as well as how you can make the most of it by knowing the ins and outs of the refund process.

IndiGo Refund Policy & Cancellation Policy Process (Normal Situations)

What qualifies as a refundable booking?

The ticket you buy with IndiGo Refund Policy becomes refundable but only in ways specified by the ticket’s fare rules (tariff type) and the airline’s “Conditions of Carriage.”

Here are the general rules for IndiGo Refund Policy:

Cancellation or change should be done 3 hours in advance for domestic flights and at least 4 hours in advance for international flights.
If you cancel within that timeframe, however, you could be entitled to a refund after any applicable cancellation/change fees imposed as part of the fare rules that applied at booking.
If you don’t cancel within the timeframe, however, and simply fail to show up (“No Show”), then the ticket fare can be forfeited, so you only get back some of what was paid for the ticket in residual fees such as taxes or airport charges.

So not all tickets are created equal in terms of how refundable they are; it depends on when you cancel, and which fare you bought.

IndiGo Refund Policy – Quick Reference Table

Category	Details
Refund Eligibility	IndiGo Refund Policy depends on fare type, cancellation time, and booking channel.
Refund for Cancellable Tickets	Eligible after deducting the cancellation fee.
Refund for Non-Refundable Tickets	Only taxes and fees may be refunded. Fare amount is usually non-refundable.
Cancellation Window	Cancellation allowed up to 2 hours before a domestic flight and 4 hours before an international flight.
Refund Processing Time	7–10 working days for cards, up to 15 days for net banking; wallet refunds are instant.
Refund Mode	IndiGo Refund Policy Returns to the original payment method card, bank, or wallet.
Partial Refunds	Allowed if only one passenger or one segment is cancelled.
No-Show Policy	No refund if the passenger fails to cancel before the deadline.
Flight Cancelled by IndiGo	Full refund OR free reschedule provided.
Medical/Emergency Refunds	Special consideration is available with valid documents.
Third-Party Bookings	Refund must be requested through the travel agency or portal.
Refund for Add-ons (Meals/Baggage)	Usually non-refundable unless the flight is cancelled by IndiGo.
Refund Tracking	Can be checked via Manage Booking on IndiGo’s website/app.

How IndiGo Refund Policy Processes – The Refund Mechanism

In case of a refund, IndiGo Refund Policy will process it as per the payment method and source.

If you booked and paid online using a debit/credit card or wallet, the refund will be credited back to the same card/wallet in 7 working days post-refund request.
If the booking was made with a travel agent, IndiGo Refund Policy credits refunds to the account of the travel agent, and then it’s up to Sabre or its agency to get that money back to you.
In case booking is done at an airport ticketing counter or through a travel agent: Refund is to be collected from the IndiGo Town Office/Sub Agency where the booking was made; Refunds will be made by the operating airline to the person who has paid for the ticket (Credit cardholder/Account holder).
For bookings made with other cards: IndiGo Refund Policy may take longer sometimes, as many as 21 working days, because of payment-network processing schedules.

Alternate: Credit Shell / Voucher: If you opt for this, instead of refunding money, IndiGo may issue a “Credit Shell” or voucher, which can be used by you for future travel.

Please note: In IndiGo Refund Policy the refund process will only start after IndiGo Refund Policy has received in original (either e-coupon and/or receipt, as opposed to standard EMDs or ADM trackable through active GDS) documented evidence that the coupon has been correctly issued when there is settled transaction against original form of payment; once processed as per our policy, we consider our liability discharged to subsequent claims for refund.

What happens if IndiGo cancels or reschedules the Flight (Airline-initiated Changes)

IndiGo Refund Policy shifts: The airline, not you, decided to cancel or reschedule that flight.
With two weeks’ notice, regulation dictates that the airline must provide a different flight or a full refund.
If the cancellation is given from 24 hours up to two weeks before departure, you can instead select either the alternative flight or receive a full refund.

If you cancel with less than 24 hours before departure. Or if you fail to make a connecting flight (on the same ticket that is) due to the airline, you’re entitled to:

The full amount of the ticket was paid in IndiGo Refund Policy

Plus Compensation as per regulatory norms (Domestic Flights: Depends on Flight Duration/ Block Hours)
“Your option, however, you may prefer to re-book with a credit shell for future travel at no extra charge.
Also, if you are already in the airport and are left waiting for another flight, the airline must make you comfortable with facilities, food and drink, a hotel room (if necessary), according to how many hours it will take.
And these are not only from the airline’s own policy but also regulatory norms on passenger rights in India.

Exceptional Refund & Waiver Measures (December 2025) In IndiGo Refund Policy

In view of recent operational disruptions (crew shortage, slotted time charting) impacting IndiGo flights across the network, we are providing temporary relaxations and special re-booking assurance.” The airline, along with the regulator, has announced a temporary relaxation as well as a special refund measure over and above the existing policy.

IndiGo on Sunday had offered a complete waiver on cancellation or rescheduling fees for bookings/travel between December 5 and December 15. Customers whose flights were cancelled during this timeframe will get a full refund back to the original form of payment.

The airline added that it has begun processing refunds and that customers who re-book the affected flights will not be charged a change or rescheduling fee.
Government regulator, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has ordered that all outstanding passenger refunds be paid by 8.00 PM on 7 December 2025 and warned IndiGo against any further delay or failure to meet this deadline.
These are extraordinary stay-at-home measures aimed more at addressing passenger pain points in the wake of sweeping cancellations and chaos.

What to Consider Before Cancelling – Check the Fare Rules

Since the refundable amount from IndiGo varies significantly depending on what “Tariff Type” you chose at the time of booking, it’s worth reviewing fare conditions before cancelling:

Refund/cancellation restrictions: Discounted/non-ref or cond fares. Some may not permit refunds and/or may impose change restrictions (example, deeply discounted/non-ref). Cancellation will, in these instances, lead to complete loss of fare.
Cancellation fees and deductions apply based on fare type; in other words, the refund may not be the full amount purchased (after deducting cancellation charges).
If you don’t check in (no-show) or cancel before the allowed time, it could cost you your refund eligibility, particularly with non-refundable fares.
So always check fare rules when booking, and if necessary, cancel in time (where applicable) to optimise the chances of a refund.

How to request a refund – The Easy Steps

If you choose to cancel and apply for a refund under IndiGo Refund Policy, here is how to do it:

Visit IndiGo’s official site (or app) and click on “Manage Booking”. Please enter your PNR (booking reference) and last name to retrieve your booking.
Select the “Cancel Booking / Claim Refund” button, and request your cancellation.
If demanded (eg cash booking), fill the refund application at the IndiGo airport counter & submit.
Ensure refund processing will take place for online payments, anticipate a refund time frame of 7 working days normally; some payment types (e.g. American Express) or third-party bookings (travel agents), timelines may differ (up to a few weeks), subject to payment networks and agent processing.
If you choose the Credit Shell / Voucher instead, you can still use it for subsequent IndiGo bookings; its validity period is in line with the terms of that voucher.

What to Do if IndiGo Cancels Your Flight – Refund or Rebooking?

If IndiGo cancels the flight: If IndiGo does cancel (or severely delay) your flight because of operational difficulties, crew shortages, regulatory change, or for any other reason (except this one), you have the right to select from the following:

No cost for the customer, including, in many cases, compensation
rerouting (alternative flight at no further cost)
Credit Shell/Voucher for future travel

Even better if you’re notified of a cancellation or delay at short notice, compensation (as per regulations) may be due.

Considering the recent disturbances (as of Dec 2025), IndiGo is allowing full waiver of cancellation/rescheduling fees for affected flights during the period from Dec 5 – 15.

Recent Context: Why IndiGo Refund Policy Are in the Spotlight

In early December 2025, IndiGo grappled with a significant crisis over the crew rostering system under new civil aviation rules on pilot rest and flight duty time limitations. Hundreds of flights were cancelled across the largest Indian cities. As a result:

Government intervened, directing IndiGo to process all refunds by 7 December 2025, and to waive reschedule/cancellation charges for affected passengers.
IndiGo has pledged to provide “automatic refunds” for cancelled bookings and rebooking or compensation alternatives.
The episode pulled some attention away from passenger rights, refund timing and more-transparent communication by the airlines.

If you flew (or booked) with IndiGo during this period, it’s worth checking if your flight was disrupted and what your refund status is by using their “Manage Booking” feature or contacting their customer service team.

Tips to remember For IndiGo Refund Policy

Always keep your booking receipt/ticket/coupon, as a refund will be processed on surrendering the original coupon/receipt.
When booking, when looking at the fare rules/tariff type, there are some that are non-refundable or have a high cancellation fee.
If you are due a refund, please be aware that there will be bank/credit-card clearing times of 7–21 business days after the date it was refunded, depending on the payment method.
For those whose flights are cancelled by the airline, look for a refund, rebook option or even compensation under regulatory standards.
Document the cancellation notices, emails or SMS from the airline so that you have evidence in case action has to be taken with the unresolved refund claims.

IndiGo Refund Policy- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is the penalty if I cancel my IndiGo flight 24 hours before its departure and get a full refund?

A: Not necessarily. IndiGo offers a refund only if the cancellation is made more than 3 hours before departure (for domestic flights). Cancel later, and you lose the fare, although sometimes taxes/airport charges are refundable.

Q2: If I pay by credit card, how long before I receive a refund?

A: Normally refund will be issued to your card/wallet within 7 working days. For certain cards (American Express), the refund could take up to 21 business days.

Q3: What if IndiGo cancels my flight?

A: You are entitled to either refuse the flight and receive a full refund or request re-booking to another available flight with no additional charges. Compensation for late cancellation or disruption may also apply under regulatory standards.

Q4: If I booked through a travel agent, can I get a refund?

A: Yes, IndiGo refunds the money to the travel agent, who then passes it on to you. It could also take a little longer, but it will be based on the agent’s speed of processing.

Q5: What is a “Credit Shell” or voucher refund option?

A: IndiGo may offer a voucher or credit shell for future travel on IndiGo, within a specified period.

Q6: My flight was cancelled during the period of disruption, from 5 to 15 December 2025. What refund do I get?

A: For cancellations in this window, IndiGo announced a full waiver of cancellation/reschedule charges which means you should have an automatic, full refund to your original payment method.

Q7: What if I have been promised a refund by IndiGo Refund Policy but still don’t get my refund?

A: In that case, you can get in touch with IndiGo’s refund/customer support or their Nodal Officer or Appellate Authority (as per their Conditions of Carriage) for escalation.

Conclusion

The IndiGo refund policy is designed in such a manner that it balances both the flexibility for passengers and fare-rule restrictions. In regular cases, the refunds are tied to early cancellations, the type of fare and the form of payment. Airline cancellations and extraordinary situations such as large-scale disruptions can net passengers full refunds, and often a refund of any cancellation / rescheduling fees.

When you’re travelling, ensure you read through all fare conditions and cancel a booking if need be in due time; and save your records of ticket purchases and refunds. If your flights become scrambled, use the “Manage Booking” section on the airline’s website and monitor refunding timelines.