New Government Scheme – In a revolutionary move, the government has launched a new air travel subsidy scheme that allows both children and adults to travel by air absolutely free of cost. This scheme aims to provide equitable travel opportunities to citizens across income levels, especially benefiting low-income families, students, and senior citizens. The plan will be rolled out in phases across various states and will include popular domestic routes. The initiative is being hailed as a game-changer in the aviation and public welfare sector. With increasing costs of travel, this scheme promises to offer much-needed relief, especially to those who had never experienced air travel due to financial constraints.
What Is the Free Air Travel Scheme?
The Free Air Travel Scheme is a newly introduced government initiative designed to make domestic air travel accessible to every citizen, regardless of income. Under this scheme, eligible citizens can book air tickets on designated routes without paying any airfare.
Key Highlights of the Scheme:
- Applicable to both children and adults.
- Covers select domestic flights across major routes.
- 100% airfare subsidy by the government.
- Online application and booking system via official portal.
- Priority given to students, senior citizens, and rural residents.
- Scheme valid for economy class only.
- Monthly quotas to ensure fair distribution of free seats.
Who Can Benefit From the Scheme?
The scheme is inclusive, but certain categories of individuals are prioritized to ensure those who need it the most are given preference.
Eligible Beneficiaries:
- Children between 5–17 years (school-going).
- Students enrolled in recognized universities.
- Adults with income below a specific threshold.
- Senior citizens above 60 years.
- Persons with disabilities (PwD).
- Residents of rural or remote areas.
- Government-approved low-income households.
How to Apply for Free Air Tickets
Applying for the free air travel scheme is simple and can be done online or at authorized government kiosks. The process is designed to be user-friendly for both urban and rural populations.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official government travel scheme website.
- Register using Aadhaar/ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal and income-related details.
- Upload necessary documents (proof of ID, income, etc.).
- Choose your destination and preferred dates.
- Submit the form and await confirmation.
- Download the ticket or receive it via SMS/email.
Key Documents Required
To apply successfully under this scheme, the following documents are essential:
| Required Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity and address proof |
| Income Certificate | Verify eligibility based on income |
| Age Proof (birth cert/school ID) | For child/senior eligibility |
| Disability Certificate | For PwD applicants |
| Educational Certificate | Required for student category |
| Recent Passport Photo | For application upload |
| Mobile Number | For OTP and ticket confirmation |
| Travel Purpose Declaration | To validate genuine intent |
Major Routes Covered Under the Scheme
The government has partnered with major airlines to offer free travel on key domestic sectors. Routes are selected based on passenger demand, economic potential, and regional importance.
| Origin City | Destination City | Frequency | Airline Partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Mumbai | Daily | Air India | High-demand metro route |
| Kolkata | Chennai | 3 times/week | IndiGo | Covers eastern & southern belt |
| Lucknow | Bengaluru | 2 times/week | SpiceJet | Major student hub connection |
| Patna | Hyderabad | Weekly | Vistara | Priority for student travel |
| Bhopal | Ahmedabad | 4 times/week | Air India | Industrial sector passengers |
| Guwahati | Delhi | Daily | IndiGo | North-east connectivity focus |
| Jaipur | Pune | Twice/week | Air India | Tier-2 city focus |
| Ranchi | Kochi | Weekly | SpiceJet | Rural beneficiary preference |
Government’s Objective and Vision
This scheme is part of the broader National Mobility Mission aimed at ensuring “Transport Equality for All.” By making air travel free for the underserved, the government hopes to:
- Promote tourism among underprivileged communities.
- Encourage educational migration.
- Boost regional economic development.
- Enhance national integration through travel.
- Bridge the rural-urban travel experience gap.
Limitations and Conditions
While the scheme is generous, certain terms and restrictions apply:
- Only economy class tickets are covered.
- No refund or rescheduling options.
- Quotas reset monthly.
- Tickets are non-transferable.
- Travel must be within the booking window of 30 days.
- Passengers must show ID at the airport during check-in.
Important Dates and Launch Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Announcement | 10 June 2025 |
| Online Registration Start | 15 June 2025 |
| First Phase Launch | 1 July 2025 |
| Expansion to More States | 1 August 2025 |
| Scheme Review & Renewal | December 2025 |
| Final Phase (All India) | March 2026 |
How This Scheme Compares With Other Transport Subsidies
| Scheme Name | Mode of Transport | Age Group | Cost to Beneficiary | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM Free Bus Yatra | Bus | All ages | Zero | Focus on rural intercity travel |
| Railway Concession Plan | Train | Seniors, Students | 30-50% subsidy | Pan-India concession structure |
| Udaan Udaan Yojana | Air | Remote areas | Partial subsidy | Regional connectivity focus |
| Free Air Travel Scheme | Air | All | 100% Free | Inclusive across age and income |
The Free Air Travel Scheme is a bold and inclusive step towards a more equitable and mobile India. By removing financial barriers to air travel, the government is ensuring that more citizens get access to opportunities, education, and new experiences. Whether you’re a student, senior citizen, or a parent of school-going children, this scheme could open up new doors for you—literally and figuratively.
FAQs
Q1. Is the Free Air Travel Scheme available for international travel?
No, currently the scheme is limited to domestic flights within India.
Q2. Can one person use the scheme multiple times?
As of now, each beneficiary is allowed one free round-trip per quarter, subject to availability and quota limits.
Q3. What happens if I miss my free flight?
No rescheduling or refunds are provided under this scheme. You’ll have to reapply next month.
Q4. Is there any income limit for eligibility?
Yes, for adults, the scheme is applicable to those with an annual income below ₹3 lakhs. Children and students have different qualifying criteria.
Q5. How will I receive my ticket confirmation?
Once your application is approved, you will get your ticket via email and SMS along with check-in details.