Air India offers 25 per cent fare cut for armed forces

MUMBAI: This Independence Day, the nation’s gratitude is taking flight. Air India and Air India Express have rolled out a special travel offer for members of the Indian Armed Forces, veterans, gallantry award recipients and eligible dependents, offering a flat 25 per cent discount on base fares across all domestic flights.

The offer is available on both one-way and round-trip bookings, with applicable taxes, fees and surcharges payable separately. Bookings under the initiative are open from 0001 hours on 15 August until 2359 hours on 17 August 2026, with discounted seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The offer covers active and retired personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, BSF, ITBP, CISF, CRPF, NSG, SSB, Assam Rifles, Intelligence Bureau and Railway Protection Force, along with eligible dependents.

Dependents covered under the offer include spouses, children aged between 2 and 26 years and parents. The initiative also extends to military recruits, military charter passengers, military reserve personnel on active duty, war veterans and their dependents, war widows of military personnel, and personnel of the General Reserve Engineering Force.

Recipients of Level I, Level II and Level III higher bravery awards from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force are also eligible.

Air India is adding another incentive for travellers. Customers can avail an additional discount of up to Rs 3,000 using the promo code FLYAI, subject to the applicable terms and conditions. Those booking through the Air India website or mobile app can also receive a flat 50 per cent discount on the convenience fee when logged in.

The airline group said eligible passengers will need to provide proof of identity during the booking process. Active and retired personnel can present their official identity cards, while eligible dependents will need to provide their dependent ID cards.

Bookings can be made through the airlines’ official websites, mobile apps and contact centres. However, the discounted inventory is limited, making the offer as much about timing as it is about the fare cut.

The initiative comes as India marks its 80th Independence Day, with Air India and Air India Express positioning the offer as a gesture of appreciation for personnel who serve and protect the country.