Air India Ends Laundry Services for International Layovers Starting July 2026
NEW DELHI: In a controversial cost-cutting measure, loss-making Air India has announced that it will discontinue routine laundry services for crew members during international layovers, effective July 1, 2026. However, these services will remain available for domestic layovers.
The pilots and cabin crew rely on these facilities while staying at layover hotels to ensure that they present a clean and professional appearance for their next flights. This announcement comes as Air India grapples with significant financial loss, amounting to thousands of crores in the last fiscal year, prompting a thorough review of all expenditures.
In an email sent to the pilots, the airline acknowledged the shift from a long-standing practice during international layovers, stating, “We understand this may require some adjustment.” To assist crew members, the airline will provide an iron and ironing board in layover hotel rooms. Furthermore, crew members can request additional uniform items through a specified link, encouraging them to “plan accordingly for their layovers in light of this change.”
Interestingly, Air India has made exceptions for certain circumstances. Laundry services will still be available during flight diversions and simulator/class training-related duties at international locations.
Defending its decision, Air India explained that each crew member is provided with four sets of uniforms, which should be sufficient to meet their needs during international assignments while allowing for effective maintenance and rotation. They noted that similar policies are common among global airlines, where uniform upkeep during layovers is often seen as part of standard outstation expenses, managed within daily allowances.
This sudden policy change has not been well-received by many crew members, prompting some humorous remarks about the prospect of carrying personal laundry supplies, including buckets, detergent, and clotheslines on their international journeys.
