Tata Group-owned full-service carrier Air India has cut in half the discount offered to senior citizens and students in economy class on its flights.
The revised discount on basic fares goes into effect on September 29.
On January 27, this year, Tata Group took over the loss-making Air India from the government. “(Under senior citizen and student concessions), 25% (discount) of basic fare will be applicable on select booking classes in economy cabin for tickets issued on/after September 29, 2022.”
Air India earlier was offering 50 per cent discount on select booking classes in economy cabins of its aircraft to these two categories of travelers.
Separately, in a circular dated September 28, the airline said “it has been decided to revise the concessionary fares with effect from 29th September 2022. The changes are applicable for tickets issued on/after 29th September 2022.”
The revised concession for senior citizens stands at “25 per cent of basic fare”.
However, the private airline defended the steep reduction in such concessionary fares in a statement, saying, “Even after this adjustment, the discount on base fares for both students and senior citizens will be nearly double when compared to other private airlines.”
“In light of the overall market situation and dynamics, we have decided to rationalise our fares in line with the broad industry trend,” an Air India spokesperson said in a statement.