Why Has Air India Reduced Flights On 29 International Routes?
Flights Cancelled To Several Countries: The Complete List
Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, record-high fuel prices, and airspace restrictions in various regions, Air India has decided to implement significant changes to its international network spanning from June to August 2026.
The airline has either reduced the frequency of flights or temporarily suspended certain services on 29 international routes. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Air India stated that this measure has been taken to maintain operational stability, control costs, and protect passengers from last-minute disruptions.
According to the airline, “Persistent airspace restrictions in certain regions, coupled with jet fuel prices reaching record levels for international operations, have impacted the commercial viability of several services.”
However, the company noted that despite these reductions, it will continue to operate over 1,200 international flights across five continents every month.
Why Has The West Asia Crisis Increased Pressure?
The conflict involving Iran and escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have impacted the global oil market. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through this maritime route.
This crisis has led to a sharp surge in crude oil prices, making Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) more expensive. Many airlines are now compelled to take longer routes to avoid conflict zones, resulting in a rapid increase in operational costs.
Experts suggest that rising costs and softening demand for international travel have placed immense pressure on airlines.
Which Routes Are Affected?
North America Routes
Delhi–Chicago
Delhi–Newark
Mumbai–New York (JFK)
Reduced Flight Frequencies
Delhi–San Francisco: Reduced from 10 to 7 weekly flights
Delhi–Toronto: Reduced from 10 to 5 flights until July; daily service resumes from August
Delhi–Vancouver: Reduced from 7 to 5 flights
Routes With Increased Service
Mumbai–Newark: Increased from 3 weekly flights to daily service
Delhi–New York (JFK): Daily flights continue
Reduced Flight Frequencies On Europe Routes (For These Cities)
Delhi–Paris: From 14 to 7
Delhi–Copenhagen: From 4 to 3
Delhi–Milan: From 5 to 4
Delhi–Vienna: From 4 to 3
Delhi–Zurich: From 4 to 3
Delhi–Rome: From 4 to 3
Australia Routes
Delhi–Melbourne: From 7 to 4 flights
Delhi–Sydney: From 7 to 4 flights
Impact on Asia and SAARC Countries
Delhi–Shanghai
Chennai–Singapore
Mumbai–Dhaka
Delhi–Malé
Flight Reductions
Singapore
Delhi–Singapore: From 24 to 14
Mumbai–Singapore: From 14 to 7
Bangkok
Delhi–Bangkok: From 28 to 21
Mumbai–Bangkok: From 13 to 7
Other Cities
Delhi–Kuala Lumpur: From 10 to 5
Delhi–Ho Chi Minh City: From 7 to 4
Delhi–Hanoi: From 5 to 4
Nepal
Delhi–Kathmandu:
From 42 to 28 in June
21 flights in July–August
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Delhi–Dhaka: From 7 to 4
Mumbai–Colombo: From 7 to 4
Delhi–Colombo: From 14 to 12
What arrangements have been made for passengers? Air India has stated that it will offer affected passengers rebooking on alternative flights, fee-free date changes, and full refunds.
Air India Already Under Financial Strain
According to reports, Air India incurred a loss of over ₹22,000 crore in the last financial year. In May alone, the airline had already curtailed approximately 90 daily flights.
The company is now considering other measures to reduce additional costs, including offering optional meal services on domestic and short-haul flights, and charging a separate fee for lounge access for certain premium passengers.
Major Decision Following PM Modi’s Appeal
This announcement comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently appealed to citizens to defer non-essential foreign travel, adopt “work from home” arrangements, and promote virtual meetings in order to conserve foreign exchange amidst the global crisis.
