Crises-torn Air India, which has had to ground more than 66 flights since the terrific crash of its AI171 in Ahmedabad, has announced lowering of airfare on several international routes.
Pared-down fares on multiple 787 Boeing airplanes operated by Air India is an attempt by the company to salvage lost passenger confidence that has led to huge drop in flight bookings. A look at some of the leading online travel booking portals shows that ticket prices have almost halved for some destinations.
Air India’s flight from Delhi to Paris (AI143), for instance, is currently priced at ₹31,000 – a stark difference in the fare by Air France, which costs ₹64,000 for the same route. Another flight, from Delhi to Amsterdam (AI 155), which is also a Boeing 787, is available for ₹26,200, much lower than KLM’s flight airfare that costs ₹66,000.
Similarly, a Delhi-Hong Kong ticket on an Air India flight is costing ₹13,000 while Cathay Pacific charges three times the amount. A Boeing Air India flight to Tokyo is currently listed at ₹37,500, while Japan Airlines charges ₹52,000.
An Air India Delhi-London flight is now priced at ₹32,595. The company’s Delhi-New York route is also 25 per cent cheaper than American Airlines, and Delhi-Chicago almost 30 per cent lower.
Meanwhile, the company has announced a 15 per cent reduction in international flights operated with wide-body planes until mid-July.
The decision comes after enhanced safety inspections ordered by DGCA and Iranian airspace closures. New aviation ministry rules target illegal buildings and trees near airports, with potential demolition for structures violating norms. Building owners have been given 60 days to submit details.
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