Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express are offering a discounted fare scheme for members of India's armed forces to mark the country's Independence Day, the airlines announced on August 14, 2026.

Members of the Indian Armed Forces, veterans, gallantry award recipients and their eligible dependents can avail a flat 25% discount on base fares across all domestic flights operated by both carriers, covering one-way and round-trip bookings. The offer applies to bookings made between 12:01 a.m. on August 15 and 11:59 p.m. on August 17, 2026, with applicable taxes, fees and surcharges payable separately.

The eligible categories include active and retired personnel — and their spouses, children aged 2 to 26, and parents — from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as paramilitary and security forces including the Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, National Security Guard, Sashastra Seema Bal, Assam Rifles, Intelligence Bureau and Railway Protection Force. War veterans, war widows, military recruits, personnel of the General Reserve Engineering Force, and recipients of the highest bravery awards from the Army, Navy and Air Force are also covered under the scheme.

Air India passengers can stack an additional discount of up to INR 3,000 using the promo code FLYAI, and those who book while logged into the airline's website or mobile app will also receive a flat 50% discount on the convenience fee.

The airlines said they will verify eligibility at the time of booking, with active and retired personnel required to present official identity cards and dependents required to show dependent ID cards. Bookings can be made via the official website, mobile app or contact centre, with seats under the offer limited and allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

In the press release, the company described the offer as a gesture of gratitude to the nation's servicemen and women, whose courage, sacrifice and dedication continue to protect India's sovereignty and security, coinciding with India's 80th Independence Day. The release did not include an attributed quote from a named company spokesperson.

Source: PR