Flying on Tata Group-owned Air India is set to get a bit costlier for senior citizens and students. The airline has slashed the discount offered on basic fares to senior citizens and students in the economy class on its flights by half.
The revised discount on basic fares is effective from September 29, according to the information shared on Air India website. “… (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,” the website stated.
Earlier, the Tata Group-owned full-service airline was offering a 50 per cent discount on select booking classes in economy cabins of its aircraft to these two categories of travellers. In a separate circular dated September 28, Air India said that it has been decided to revise the concessionary fares with effect from 29th September 2022. The changes are applicable for tickets issued on/after September 29, 2022.
According to the circular, the revised concession for senior citizens stands at “25 per cent of basic fare”.
“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, the discount on base fares for both students and senior citizens will be nearly double when compared to other private airlines,” the carrier said while defending its decision.
Meanwhile, the airline on Monday said it has processed Covid-related refunds to passengers worth more than Rs 150 crore in just the first few months after the salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group took back control of the airline from the government in January this year.
In October 2021, the Tatas won the bid for the national carrier through a competitive bidding for Rs 18,000 crore, including the cash component of Rs 2,700 crore.
