Air India is internally evaluating a proposal to introduce a “no-meal” fare option on select short-haul routes, according to sources familiar with the discussions. However, airline management has not yet approved the proposal, and there is no certainty on whether it will eventually be implemented.
Sources indicated that the proposal remains under review and could be approved within weeks, several months, or may not receive approval at all. Even if cleared, the initiative is expected to be introduced initially on a trial basis and only on very short routes.
The proposed move is being positioned as a consumer-centric measure aimed at offering passengers greater flexibility when booking flights. At present, meal costs are bundled into Air India ticket prices, with passengers having no option to decline the service and pay a lower fare.
According to airline sources, the objective is not to reduce charges across the board but to provide customers with a choice. Under the proposal, passengers who do not wish to receive a meal during their journey could opt for a lower-priced fare that excludes onboard catering.
“The idea is to empower customers with more choice,” a source said, adding that some travellers may prefer a lower fare over an included meal on shorter flights.
Sources stressed that the initiative is intended to make Air India’s offerings more competitive and attract a broader range of passengers. If meals are excluded from a booking, the corresponding fare would automatically be lower, reflecting the absence of the service.
The airline believes such flexibility could help improve its appeal among cost-conscious travellers while maintaining service options for those who prefer traditional bundled fares.
Should the trial receive positive feedback from passengers, Air India may consider continuing the “no-meal” fare category as a permanent offering at its lowest price point. However, airline sources cautioned that the proposal remains under discussion and no final decision has been taken.
Air India Mulls ‘No-Meal’ Fare Option on Short-Haul Routes, Proposal Under Consideration
