Air India Slashes Its Senior Citizen And Student Concessions From 50 Per Cent to 25 Per Cent

New Delhi: Air India on Thursday cuts down its senior citizen and student concessions from 50% to 25%. “Considering the overall market situation and dynamics, we have decided to rationalise our fares in line with the broad industry trend. Even after this adjustment, Air India’s discount on base fares for both students and senior citizens will be nearly double when compared to other private airlines,” Hindustan Times reported quoting an Air India spokesperson.Also Read – Tata, Singapore Airlines Plan to Merge Vistara, Air India Within One-Year Time: Report

However, it is important to note that there is no change of concession for the other categories of passengers, like armed and paramilitary forces, war-disabled officers, and recipients of gallantry awards. Also Read – Air India and Willis Lease Ink Agreement for Engine Sale And Leaseback

Presently, the national carrier offers 50 per cent for armed forces, para-military forces, war widows and widows of CAPF (Central Armed Police Force) and Assam Rifles and Central Police Organizations, General Reserve Engineering Force personnel, recipients of President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and Police Medal for Gallantry Arjuna awardees. Also Read – Veteran Industrialist Ratan Tata, Two Others Nominated As Trustees Of PM CARES Fund

The revised discount on basic fares is effective from September 29. Tata Group took control of the loss-making Air India from the government on January 27, this year.

“… (under senior citizen and student concession) for tickets issued on/after 29th September 2022, 25 per cent (discount) of basic fare will be applicable on select booking classes in economy cabin,” as per the website.

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.”

According to the circular, the revised concession for senior citizens stands at “25 per cent of basic fare”.

The private airline, however, in a statement defended the steep reduction in such concessionary fares, 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.”

“Considering the overall market situation and dynamics, we have decided to rationalise our fares in line with the broad industry trend,” an Air India spokesperson added in the statement.