LTC EXTENSION CONFIRMED
Fly to J&K & NE: Scheme Valid Till Sept 2026
By Central Pay Commission Admin
Travel Alert: DoPT Extends ‘Special Dispensation Scheme’ for Air Travel to North East, J&K, and Andaman till September 2026; Check New Booking Rules
New Delhi | January 4, 2026
NEW DELHI: In a move that brings cheer to lakhs of central government employees planning their Summer 2026 vacations, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has officially extended the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme. According to the latest Office Memorandum, the facility to travel by air to North East Region (NER), Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N) has been extended for a further period of two years, valid until September 25, 2026.
This extension is crucial for Group B and C employees (Non-Entitled for Air Travel). Under this scheme, even those who are not entitled to fly can convert one “Home Town LTC” into an “All India LTC” and book flight tickets to these specific regions, provided they book via authorized travel agents only.
New Flight Fare List (LTC-80 Scheme)
While private airlines are allowed for J&K and Ladakh, travel to North East and Andaman & Nicobar must still be performed by Air India (or private airlines if Air India is not operating, subject to specific exemption). Employees must ensure the ticket price does not exceed the LTC-80 Fare Limit set by Air India.
| Destination | Allowed Airline | Booking Condition |
|---|---|---|
| J&K / Ladakh | All Airlines (Pvt Included) | Book Cheapest Economy Fare |
| North East (NER) | Air India / IndiGo (If Direct) | Flight from HQ to Kolkata/Guwahati |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Air India Only | Flight from Chennai/Kolkata/Vizag |
Important: Do not book tickets through MakeMyTrip, Yatra, or Paytm. Such claims will be summarily rejected. You must book only through the three authorized travel agents (Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels, IRCTC Air).