The government said that for the purpose of cost cutting, Air India is reducing the the number of its foreign and local offices and has already shut down 23 booking offices in the different parts of the Country.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said, the decision to close booking offices has been taken with a view to control costs and reduce expenditure.

At present 54 local booking offices of the carrier are there which are functional.

Air India has been facing tough financial conditions.

Booking offices have been closed as most of the sales are done by agents and the number of walk-in passenger at these places are “negligible”. Besides, passengers can make bookings through Air India’s website, Sharma said.