Air India announces cheaper tickets, no cancellation fees and complimentary upgrades

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid the nationwide flight disruptions and long wait times for passengers, Air India and Air India Express have taken several major steps to provide relief. The airlines clarified that their aim is to ensure that no passenger has to travel by paying extra or facing inconvenience. Both airlines have immediately implemented several measures, ranging from fare control to waiver of ticket cancellation fees. The company said that the prices of economy class tickets for domestic flights have been capped from December 4, 2025. This means that despite the current flight crisis, tickets will not suddenly become expensive. As per government instructions, the automated system that increases fares based on demand has been stopped for the time being.

Major relief for passengers:

Passengers booking tickets through December 4, 2025, and scheduled to travel through December 15, will not be charged any fee for ticket changes or cancellations. A full refund will be available upon cancellation. This facility is valid only on a one-time basis until December 8, 2025. If the fare for the new date is higher, only the difference will be payable.

Improving Customer Support

In view of the increasing number of calls and long waiting times, both airlines have deployed additional staff in their 24x7 call centres. Passengers are provided with the facility to make changes through various platforms including website, app, travel agents and Air India Express' WhatsApp chatbot “TIA”.

Helpline Numbers:

• Air India: +91 11 6932 9333

• Air India Express: +91 124 443 5600 / +91 124 693 5600

The company says it is using all seats to accommodate as many passengers as possible. Economy class passengers can be upgraded to a higher class without charge if seats are available. Additional flights are also being operated on some routes.

Discounts available to students, senior citizens, military members, and their dependents will continue. In many cases, these discounted tickets may be available at prices lower than the current capped fares. According to the company, these measures are intended to reduce the financial burden on passengers, make travel more flexible, and get more people to their destinations faster. The airlines state that these measures are not merely a temporary relief but part of their commitment to protecting consumer interests.