Air India Express has announced a major fare reduction under its newly launched PayDay Sale, offering travellers significantly cheaper flight tickets across domestic and international routes. The limited-period sale is aimed at encouraging early bookings for travel through much of 2026, with base fares starting below ₹2,000 for domestic flights and just over ₹5,300 for international destinations. The announcement has drawn strong interest from budget-conscious passengers as air travel demand continues to remain high.
The airline revealed the offer through its official social media channels, highlighting that the PayDay Sale is designed to make flying more affordable while providing flexible booking and payment options. With no convenience fees on app bookings, discounted baggage add-ons and special benefits for loyalty members, the sale positions itself as one of the more aggressive fare promotions announced by an Indian airline this season.
domestic and international fares under payday sale
Under the PayDay Sale, Air India Express is offering domestic flight tickets starting at ₹1,950, making it one of the lowest advertised base fares currently available for internal air travel. These fares are applicable across the airline’s domestic network, allowing passengers to plan trips well in advance at minimal cost. For travellers who prefer to travel light, even lower fares are available under baggage-free options, with domestic prices starting at ₹1,850.
International travellers are also included in the promotion, with fares beginning at ₹5,355 on select routes. These prices apply to Air India Express’s short-haul international destinations, catering primarily to passengers flying to nearby countries. The airline has positioned these fares as an opportunity for travellers to secure international trips at prices comparable to premium bus or train travel on some routes.
The booking window for the PayDay Sale is open until January 1, 2026, giving customers ample time to plan and lock in lower fares. The travel period for domestic flights booked under the offer runs from January 12 to October 10, 2026, while international travel is valid from January 12 to October 31, 2026. By extending the validity across most of the year, the airline is targeting both leisure travellers and those planning work or family trips well ahead of time.
To provide additional savings, Air India Express is promoting fares without check-in baggage, an option increasingly popular among short-haul and frequent travellers. For passengers who do require baggage, the airline is offering discounted baggage rates under its Lite fare structure, allowing travellers to add a 15 kg bag on domestic flights for ₹1,500 or a 20 kg bag on international flights for ₹2,500. This approach gives customers greater control over how much they pay, depending on their travel needs.
booking benefits, loyalty offers and payment flexibility
Beyond low base fares, the PayDay Sale includes several incentives designed to enhance value for customers. One of the key highlights is the removal of convenience fees for bookings made through the Air India Express mobile app. This benefit can translate into noticeable savings, particularly for passengers booking multiple tickets or travelling as families.
The airline has also announced special offers for its loyalty members, including a 25% discount on Business Class fares. This move signals an effort to attract repeat flyers and premium customers while maintaining the airline’s low-cost positioning. By combining loyalty incentives with discounted fares, Air India Express is seeking to strengthen customer retention in a competitive market.
Recognising the importance of affordability, the airline is also offering flexible payment solutions. Passengers booking under the PayDay Sale can choose options such as equated monthly instalments and buy now, pay later plans. These payment methods are intended to make air travel more accessible by spreading the cost over time, particularly for international journeys or group bookings.
The airline’s emphasis on flexibility extends to its booking platforms as well. Tickets under the sale can be booked via the official website, the mobile app and major online travel portals, ensuring wide accessibility for customers across different channels. By combining low fares with multiple booking and payment options, Air India Express aims to appeal to a broad segment of travellers, from first-time flyers to frequent international passengers.
The PayDay Sale reflects a broader trend in the aviation sector, where airlines are using targeted promotions and unbundled pricing to stimulate demand and fill seats early. For travellers, the offer presents an opportunity to secure low-cost flights for much of the year ahead, provided they are willing to plan in advance and take advantage of the various fare options available.
