For years, passengers travelling on Air India’s domestic and international flights enjoyed complimentary meals. The perk helped distinguish full-service airlines from budget carriers, where passengers typically pay extra for almost everything. But that may soon change.
Air India is reportedly considering making meals optional for some economy-class passengers on select domestic and short-haul international routes. Passengers who choose not to take a meal could receive a discount on their ticket price.
The proposal raises a bigger question for an airline battling higher fuel costs, a weakening rupee and rising operating expenses amid the fallout of the Iran-Israel conflict: Is India’s flagship carrier quietly redefining what “full-service" travel means?
Air India is operating in one of the toughest environments the aviation industry has faced in years. Airlines are dealing with rising fuel costs, airspace disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict, a weaker rupee and increasing operational expenses.
Reports suggest that Air India posted a full-year loss of Rs 26,798 crore, inflicting a $743 million hit on Singapore Airlines’ bottom line in the first full year since the carrier acquired a 25.1% stake in the Tata Group airline.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) reported a 57.4% fall in full-year net profit to $930 million (SGD $1.18 billion) even as operating profit surged 39% to $1.89 billion (SGD 2.4 billion). Its annual statement also showed Air India’s hefty annual losses.
The airline has already announced sweeping international schedule cuts between June and August, including 40% reduction in North America operations, and suspended flights on several overseas routes as part of broader cost-control measures.
08/06/2027 Shilpy Bisht/News18.com
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