Air India is considering a major change to its fare structure by introducing no-meal ticket options on domestic and short international flights. The proposal would allow passengers to choose a lower-priced fare that excludes complimentary onboard meals.
The move is aimed at reducing operating costs and offering budget-conscious travelers cheaper ticket options. According to reports, passengers opting for the proposed “No-Meal” could save more than ₹250 per ticket compared to standard fares that include meals.
Air India currently provides complimentary meals on domestic flights, making it one of the few major Indian carriers to do so. Most low-cost airlines in India follow a buy-on-board model where passengers pay separately for food and beverages.
The proposal comes as the airline faces mounting financial pressure from rising fuel costs, geopolitical disruptions and operational challenges. Air India has already announced reductions in some domestic flight operations as it works to control costs.
The no-meal fare option is still under consideration and has not yet been officially introduced. If implemented, it would mark a significant shift in Air India’s traditional full-service model while giving passengers more flexibility in choosing how much they pay for air travel.
