New Delhi: Air India on Thursday cuts down concessions for students and senior citizens from ‘50 percent to 25 percent’ to rationalise the fares.

In a statement, Air India said the cut down in the senior citizens and students’ concessions was being done considering the market situation.

“Considering the overall market situation and dynamics, we have decided to rationalise our fares in line with the broad industry trend,” Air India said in a statement.

The revised discount on basic fares is effective from September 29.

“… (under senior citizen and student concession) for tickets issued on/after 29th September 2022, 25 per cent (discount) of basic fare will be applicable on select booking classes in economy cabin,” according to its website.

Air India earlier was offering 50 per cent discount on select booking classes in economy cabins of its aircraft to these two categories of travellers, according to the website.

According to news agency PTI, in a circular dated September 28, the airline said “it has been decided to revise the concessionary fares with effect from 29th September 2022. The changes are applicable for tickets issued on/after 29th September 2022.” According to the circular, the revised concession for senior citizens stands at “25 per cent of basic fare”.

After the concession cut down, the discount on base fares for the students and senior citizens would nearly double.

An Air India spokesperson said, “Even after this adjustment, Air India’s discount on base fares for both students and senior citizens will be nearly double when compared to other private airlines.”

However, there is no change of concession for the other categories of passengers, like armed and paramilitary forces, war-disabled officers, and recipients of gallantry awards.