Indian air carriers trigger fare war offering low-priced tickets

New Delhi/Mumbai, Jan 22: With the peak travel season coming to an end, Indian carriers, including Air India, triggered a fare war on Tuesday, offering a limited period of low-priced tickets across several sectors within the country. SpiceJet is offering 50 per cent off on base fares on tickets booked on select flights at least 30 days prior to travel (which can be purchased till January 23), while its no-frill competitors – IndiGo and GoAir – launched a similar scheme slashing fares by 30-50 per cent for advance purchases on its websites.

Air India launched a short term 'SpringSale' of up to 50 per cent on all domestic sectors of its network, while a Jet Airways spokesperson said no such decision has been taken so far.

Air India said its promotional scheme would be up for sale from Wednesday up until January 24 and, and be valid for travel between February 21 and April 15. These fares, which would be as low as Rs 1,357 including taxes, would cover all domestic sectors of the national carrier.

The fare from Agartala to Kolkata would be Rs 1,385, between Delhi and Mumbai Rs 2,830 and Delhi-Ahmedabad Rs 2292, inclusive of taxes.

SpiceJet scheme would be valid for travel till April 15 but bookings have to be made in the next two days and all applicable fee and taxes would have to borne by the customer.

The move came as the airlines expected a weak demand in the upcoming lean period and attempted to mop up funds for the March quarter, which is traditionally a weak period both from demand and revenue points of view.

Travel portals reported an immediate upswing in bookings within a few hours of the announcements. “Such a limited period off-season sale is a routine practice in the airline industry across the world and tactical inventory management, to help airlines fill seats that would otherwise go empty. It is 'revenue-positive' for the airline,” a SpiceJet spokesperson said. Spokespersons of IndiGo and GoAir were not available for comments, but travel agents confirmed that these two airlines have also launched similar offers.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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