LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 Extended Till 2028: Air Travel Rules Explained
The LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 is an important facility for Central Government employees who want to travel by air to some of the country’s special destination regions under Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
According to the latest Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Office Memorandum dated 9 September 2026, the existing special dispensation allowing air travel to the North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been extended for another two years.
The extended period will begin on 26 September 2026 and continue up to 25 September 2028.
Table of Contents
- What is LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026?
- LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 Extension Period
- Which Destinations Are Covered?
- Conversion of Home Town LTC
- Rules for Fresh Recruits
- Air Travel Entitlement Under the Scheme
- Air Travel for Employees Not Entitled to Fly
- LTC Air Ticket Booking Rules
- Three Authorized Travel Agents for LTC
- Best Available Fare and 10% Rule
- LTC Advance and Required Documents
- LTC Reimbursement Rules
- Important Points Employees Should Remember
- LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 FAQ
What is LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026?
The LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 is a relaxation provided under the Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988.
Under this special arrangement, eligible Government servants can use LTC to visit specified regions where air travel is permitted under the special dispensation. The covered destinations are the North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The latest DoPT Office Memorandum confirms that the facility has been extended beyond its earlier expiry date of 25 September 2026.
26 September 2026 to 25 September 2028
This is particularly useful for employees who would otherwise have difficulty using their LTC entitlement for these destinations because of the normal mode-of-travel restrictions.
LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 Extension Period
The latest Office Memorandum was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on 9 September 2026.
The Government has extended the air-travel relaxation for a further period of two years.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | LTC Special Dispensation Scheme |
| New extension | 2 years |
| Starts | 26 September 2026 |
| Ends | 25 September 2028 |
| Covered regions | NER, J&K, Ladakh and A&N |
The extension is therefore relevant for employees planning LTC journeys during the period beginning 26 September 2026.
Which Destinations Are Covered Under LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026?
The LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 covers the following four broad regions:
NER destinations covered under the applicable LTC rules.
Eligible destinations within the Union Territory.
Eligible destinations within the Union Territory.
Eligible destinations within the Union Territory.
Employees should remember that destination eligibility and reimbursement are governed by the applicable LTC instructions. The special dispensation should therefore not be treated as unrestricted air travel to any location of the employee’s choice.
Conversion of Home Town LTC Under the 2026 Scheme
One of the most important features of the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 is the conversion of Home Town LTC.
According to the latest DoPT order, eligible Government servants may avail LTC to visit a place in NER, A&N, J&K or Ladakh against conversion of one Home Town LTC in a four-year block period.
What if Home Town and Headquarters are the Same?
The latest order specifically states that a Government servant whose Home Town and Headquarters/place of posting are the same cannot convert a Home Town LTC under this provision because such an employee is not eligible for the Home Town LTC facility.
What if the Employee’s Home Town Is Already in One of the Covered Regions?
The order provides a special condition for such employees.
A Government servant whose Home Town is situated in NER, A&N, J&K or Ladakh can use the Home Town LTC conversion to visit a place in another covered region, but not the region in which the employee’s Home Town is situated.
LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 Rules for Fresh Recruits
Fresh recruits also receive a specific benefit under the scheme.
The latest order states that fresh recruits can convert one of the three Home Town LTCs available to them in a four-year block for visiting NER, A&N, J&K or Ladakh.
In addition, fresh recruits are allowed one additional conversion of Home Town LTC to visit J&K or Ladakh in a four-year block.
Air Travel Entitlement Under the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026
The rules are different depending on whether the Government employee is already entitled to travel by air.
Employees Already Entitled to Air Travel
Government servants who are entitled to travel by air may use their entitled class of air travel from their Headquarters, subject to the applicable DoPT instructions on LTC air-ticket booking, fares, advance and reimbursement.
The latest order specifically refers to the DoPT air-ticket instructions issued on 29 August 2022, as modified by the instructions dated 20 October 2023.
Employees Not Normally Entitled to Air Travel
This is one of the most useful provisions of the scheme.
Government employees who are not normally entitled to air travel can travel by Economy Class by any airline under the Special Dispensation Scheme, subject to the applicable conditions.
The order identifies specific sectors:
| Destination | Permitted sector |
|---|---|
| North East Region | Kolkata/Guwahati to any place in NER |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Kolkata/Chennai/Visakhapatnam to Port Blair |
| J&K/Ladakh | Delhi/Amritsar to any place in J&K/Ladakh |
The journey from the employee’s Headquarters up to the relevant connecting point must be undertaken according to the employee’s normal entitlement.
LTC Air Ticket Booking Rules Under the Special Dispensation Scheme
Using the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme does not remove the normal air-ticket booking requirements.
The 2022 DoPT instructions included in the PDF state that LTC air tickets are to be purchased through the designated Authorized Travel Agents (ATAs).
The three authorized agents are:
- Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL)
- Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT)
- Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC)
Three Authorized Travel Agents for LTC Air Tickets
The 2022 instructions specify three Authorized Travel Agents for LTC air-ticket booking.
1. Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL)
2. Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT)
3. IRCTC
The 2023 modification included in the PDF further states that the authorized agents are to display the cheapest fare and flights within the permitted 10% fare band in the desired time slot. Booking through the authorized agent itself serves as evidence that the ticket was booked at the cheapest fare under the applicable guideline.
Employees can also use the official IRCTC Air LTC service for Government/LTC-reimbursed air-ticket booking. IRCTC currently provides a dedicated LTC booking facility for Government employees. Check IRCTC Air LTC Booking.
Best Available Fare and the 10% Rule
The 2022 instructions require employees to choose the Best Available Fare in their entitled class.
The instructions describe the best available fare as the cheapest fare available, preferably on a non-stop flight in the selected time slot.
There is also a 10% price-band provision for optimizing the selection for convenience and comfort.
The 2023 modification provides an important clarification. The three authorized agents are to display the cheapest flight and flights priced up to 10% more than the cheapest fare in the desired time slot.
The 2022 instructions also encourage employees to book at least 21 days before the intended LTC journey to obtain competitive fares and reduce the financial burden on the Government.
LTC Advance Under the Special Dispensation Scheme
Employees may apply for LTC advance subject to the prescribed procedure.
For employees entitled to air travel, the 2022 instructions provide for an LTC advance application supported by the relevant fare details from an authorized travel agency.
Employees who are not entitled to air travel but want to use air travel under the Special Dispensation Scheme can apply for an advance based on the applicable rail/bus fare up to the relevant connecting point, along with the applicable air fare from that point to the destination.
The relevant connecting points mentioned in the instructions include:
- Kolkata
- Guwahati
- Chennai
- Visakhapatnam
- Delhi
- Amritsar
LTC Reimbursement Rules for Air Travel
The reimbursement rules are particularly important for employees using the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026.
If there is a difference between the fare shown when an LTC advance is requested and the fare at the time of actual booking, the difference can be adjusted at the time of settlement of the LTC claim, according to the instructions contained in the PDF.
For non-air-entitled employees travelling directly by air under the Special Dispensation Scheme, the rules require supporting fare information for the relevant connecting sector and time slot.
Where a flight is not available in the same time slot, the instructions allow the details of the flight available in the next slot to be retained for the purpose of claim settlement.
For direct air journeys in such cases, reimbursement is restricted to the actual air fare or the fare admissible under the Special Dispensation Scheme, whichever is less.
Important LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 Points to Remember
- The scheme is extended up to 25 September 2028.
- The extended period starts on 26 September 2026.
- NER, J&K, Ladakh and A&N are covered regions.
- One Home Town LTC can be converted in a four-year block, subject to eligibility.
- Employees whose Home Town and Headquarters are the same cannot use this Home Town conversion because they are not eligible for Home Town LTC.
- Fresh recruits have separate conversion provisions.
- Non-air-entitled employees can travel by Economy Class under the specified conditions.
- LTC air tickets should be booked through the authorized travel-agent channels.
- Best Available Fare and applicable time-slot rules continue to apply.
- Employees should maintain the required fare and booking records.
- Misuse of LTC can result in appropriate action.
How This LTC Update Helps Central Government Employees
The extension provides an additional two-year window for eligible employees who want to plan LTC journeys to the covered regions.
For employees considering a trip to the North East, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh or Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the extension means that the special air-travel provisions will continue beyond September 2026.
However, employees should plan carefully instead of treating the scheme as a general air-ticket reimbursement facility. The employee’s LTC entitlement, Home Town status, destination, travel entitlement, fare, booking procedure and reimbursement conditions all matter.
If you are planning an LTC journey, it is also useful to check your leave and LTC eligibility before booking tickets. You can refer to our detailed guide on Central Government Leave Rules for a broader understanding of leave-related provisions.
You can also use our LTC Calculator to help with LTC-related calculations and planning.
Documents and Records to Keep for LTC Air Travel
Employees should maintain all relevant documents required for their LTC claim. Depending on the circumstances, this can include the air ticket, fare details, booking information and other records prescribed under the applicable instructions.
The 2022 instructions specifically required employees to retain the relevant webpage print-out containing flight and fare details. The 2023 modification subsequently clarified the proof of cheapest fare for bookings made through the three authorized agents.
For non-air-entitled employees travelling directly by air under the Special Dispensation Scheme, the fare information for the relevant railhead and applicable time slot remains particularly important.
Misuse of LTC Can Lead to Action
The latest DoPT order contains a clear warning against misuse of LTC.
Ministries and Departments have been advised to bring the instructions to the notice of employees and to take appropriate action in cases of misuse. Departments may also randomly verify submitted air tickets with airlines to compare the actual cost of travel with the amount shown on the submitted ticket.
Employees should therefore ensure that the ticket details, fare information and claim submitted to the office are accurate.
Official Reference for LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026
The latest information in this article is based primarily on the DoPT Office Memorandum dated 9 September 2026 supplied with this article. The same PDF also contains the earlier DoPT instructions dated 29 August 2022 and the modifications dated October 2023 that continue to apply to air-ticket booking under the Special Dispensation Scheme.
For official Government information and further orders, employees should refer to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
For LTC air booking information, employees can also refer to the official IRCTC Air LTC service.
LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026?
The LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026 is a special relaxation under the CCS (LTC) Rules that permits eligible Government employees to travel by air to the North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands subject to the prescribed conditions.
How long has the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme been extended?
The scheme has been extended for two years, from 26 September 2026 to 25 September 2028.
Which destinations are covered under the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme 2026?
The scheme covers the North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, subject to the applicable LTC conditions.
Can a Government employee convert Home Town LTC for this scheme?
Eligible Government servants can use the conversion of one Home Town LTC in a four-year block to visit the covered regions, subject to the conditions of the scheme.
Can an employee whose Home Town and Headquarters are the same use Home Town LTC conversion?
No. The latest order states that employees whose Home Town and Headquarters or place of posting are the same are not allowed to convert Home Town LTC because they are not eligible for the Home Town LTC facility.
Can fresh recruits use the LTC Special Dispensation Scheme?
Yes. Fresh recruits are allowed specific Home Town LTC conversion benefits under the scheme, including an additional conversion for visiting J&K or Ladakh, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Can employees who are not normally entitled to air travel fly under this scheme?
Yes. The scheme permits employees who are not normally entitled to air travel to travel by Economy Class under the specified conditions and sectors.
Which travel agents can be used for LTC air-ticket booking?
The DoPT instructions specify Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited, Ashok Travels & Tours and IRCTC as the three Authorized Travel Agents for LTC air-ticket booking.
What is the Best Available Fare under LTC air travel?
The instructions require employees to choose the cheapest available fare in their entitled class in the applicable time slot, with the prescribed provision for optimizing within the 10% price band.
Is the full air ticket amount reimbursed under the Special Dispensation Scheme?
Not necessarily. Reimbursement is subject to the employee’s entitlement and the applicable fare and reimbursement conditions. In certain direct-air-travel cases for non-air-entitled employees, reimbursement is restricted to the actual air fare or the admissible fare, whichever is less.
How early should LTC air tickets be booked?
The 2022 DoPT instructions encourage employees to book at least 21 days before the intended journey to obtain competitive fares. The applicable advance procedure should also be followed where an LTC advance is requested.
Where can I check the official LTC rules?
Employees should refer to the Department of Personnel and Training for official Government orders and instructions. The latest extension discussed in this article is based on the DoPT Office Memorandum dated 9 September 2026.