West Asia Crisis: Full-service Air India is planning to make meals optional for passengers on domestic and short-haul international flights under two hours. This move comes in response to rising operational costs, including high fuel prices and airspace restrictions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Meals Optional On Domestic And Short International Flights

This change, expected to roll out within the next month or two, will allow passengers to opt out of a meal on domestic and short-haul international flights. Those who choose these options could see their ticket prices reduced by approximately Rs 250, according to Jagran.com.

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This change comes in response to rising operational costs, including high fuel prices and airspace restrictions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Lounge Access For Business Flyers

Air India is also considering unbundling lounge access for business class passengers, allowing those who do not use the facility to get cheaper tickets. Currently, lounge access costs between Rs 1,100 and Rs 1,400 at metro airports and Rs 600 to Rs 700 in smaller cities, with an average cost of approximately Rs 1,000 per person.

Since many business class travellers do not use the lounge due to time constraints, excluding this facility could lead to a direct reduction in their ticket costs.

Plans To Deploy Narrow-Body Aircraft?

Additionally, the Air India Group is planning to deploy its narrow-body aircraft to Air India Express, which offers more seats and lower costs. Unlike the full-service mode, it operates without amenities such as free meals or lounge access. The group is also exploring options like selling advertising space on the back of boarding passes, a practice already in place at Air India Express.

Change Due To Rising Costs, Weakening Rupee

According to the report, Air India has included meals in its tickets since its inception. However, rising aviation turbine fuel costs and a weakening rupee are pushing up ticket prices. In a price-sensitive market like India, higher fares could force passengers to choose train or road travel.

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To prevent this, the airline is exploring different ways. Many airlines around the world have already unbundled their services. As a result, the distinction between full-service and low-cost carriers is gradually narrowing.