Air India has introduced a new fare category that allows passengers to fly at lower prices by opting out of complimentary meals on select domestic routes.
The airline’s newly launched Basic Fare is aimed at travellers looking for more affordable ticket options, particularly on short-haul flights where many passengers may not require meal services. By removing complimentary food from the ticket package, Air India hopes to offer greater flexibility while making air travel more accessible.
Passengers booking the Basic Fare will continue to receive cabin and check-in baggage allowances, but meals will no longer be included in the ticket price. Those who wish to eat during the journey can purchase food and beverages separately onboard.
The move marks a shift in strategy for the full-service carrier, which has traditionally bundled services such as meals into ticket prices. Air India said the new offering is designed to give customers more choice and align fares with varying travel preferences.
Industry observers say the decision reflects changing consumer behaviour in India’s aviation market. With airfare remaining a major consideration for travellers, airlines are increasingly looking at ways to offer lower entry-level fares while allowing passengers to pay only for the services they use.
The launch also comes as competition intensifies among domestic carriers. Budget airlines have long offered unbundled fare structures, and Air India’s latest move is seen as an effort to appeal to price-sensitive passengers without compromising its broader service standards.
Travel experts believe the fare could be particularly popular among solo travellers, business flyers on short routes and passengers who prefer to carry their own snacks or skip inflight meals altogether.
The introduction of the Basic Fare is part of Air India’s wider transformation strategy under the Tata Group, which has been focused on modernising operations, expanding its network and enhancing customer experience.
With more travellers seeking value-driven options, the airline hopes the new fare category will attract a broader customer base while offering passengers greater control over how they spend on air travel.
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