Airlines

Flying to Europe or the UK? Air India Introduces New Baggage Charges

For travelers heading to Europe and the UK with Air India, the journey is about to come with a slight change in the baggage policy.

Starting October 17, air india plane will implement new charges for passengers checking in a second bag, bringing its policies in line with several leading international carriers. This adjustment reflects the airline’s broader efforts to modernize its operations and enhance competitiveness in global markets.

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Under the new policy, air india economy fares will be divided into categories or “fare families.” The most budget-friendly option will now include the allowance of a single 23 kg checked bag.

Passengers requiring an additional bag will need to choose a higher fare category, with additional baggage charges starting at approximately INR 4,000 for a one-way flight.

This shift aligns Air India with the practices of other major international airlines like Lufthansa and British Airways. Lufthansa, for instance, allows only one checked bag for economy passengers, while British Airways offers tiered fare levels, some of which include up to two checked bags.

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This policy update is part of air india retrofit transformation journey under the Tata Group, which has been investing heavily in upgrading the airline’s fleet, service quality, and customer experience.

With air india new routes 264 weekly flights between India, Europe, and the UK, these routes form a critical part of Air India’s network, and aligning with global standards is seen as a necessary step to remain competitive in these markets.

While the move reflects the airline’s intention to modernize and streamline its such as air india wifi services, some passengers have expressed concerns.

Many feel the timing could have been better, given that visible improvements, such as enhancements to its wide-body aircraft and better on-time performance, are still underway.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.