Rising tensions in the Middle East are now affecting the aviation sector, and Air India is planning some big changes to manage costs.
With fuel prices going up and revenues under pressure, the airline is looking at new ways to offer cheaper tickets while cutting expenses.
One of the biggest changes could directly impact passengers—especially on short flights.
Meals May Become Optional on Short Flights
Air India is planning to make in-flight meals optional on domestic and short international flights (under 2 hours).
Right now, meals are included in ticket prices. But soon, passengers may be able to choose whether they want a meal or not.
This move is aimed at reducing costs and giving passengers more control over what they pay for.
Ticket Prices Could Go Down
If meals are removed from the ticket, passengers who skip them could save ₹250 or more on their fare.
This new pricing model, called “unbundling,” is expected to be introduced in the next one to two months.
For budget-conscious travelers, this could make flying slightly more affordable.
Changes Likely for Business Class Too
The airline is also looking at changes for business class passengers.
One major idea is to separate lounge access from ticket prices.
Currently, lounge access is included, but many travelers don’t use it.
Since lounge services at metro airports can cost around ₹1,100 to ₹1,400 per person, removing this from the ticket could help reduce fares for those who don’t need it.
Flight Cuts Due to Rising Costs
To manage increasing expenses, Air India has already reduced around 150 international flights in May.
These cuts mainly affect long-haul routes to the US, Canada, and Europe from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
Flights have not been stopped completely, but their frequency has been reduced. For example, routes that had 4–5 flights per week may now have 1–2 fewer flights.
Why Air India Is Making These Changes
There are several reasons behind these decisions.
Fuel prices, especially aviation turbine fuel (ATF), have risen sharply since late February.
At the same time, the weakening rupee has made international operations more expensive.
India is also a price-sensitive market. If airfares increase too much, many people prefer trains or road travel instead.
Globally, many full-service airlines are now adopting this “pay for what you use” model.
Even the gap between full-service airlines and low-cost carriers like IndiGo is becoming smaller.
Overall, these changes show how airlines are adapting to rising costs while trying to keep ticket prices competitive for passengers.
