Air India has announced a temporary rationalization of 29 international routes through August 2026, citing continued airspace restrictions and record-high jet fuel prices that have impacted the commercial viability of overseas operations. The Tata Group-owned carrier said the changes are aimed at improving network stability and reducing last-minute disruptions for passengers, while maintaining a large international footprint of more than 1,200 international flights every month across five continents. Despite the cuts, Air India will continue operating 33 weekly flights to North America, 47 weekly flights to Europe, 57 weekly flights to the UK, 8 weekly flights to Australia, 158 weekly flights across Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC destinations, and 7 weekly flights to Mauritius. The airline stated that affected passengers will receive support through alternative flight options, free date changes, or full refunds, where applicable, with customers able to contact Air India's 24x7 support centre and digital channels for assistance.
Among the biggest changes in North America, Air India will temporarily suspend its Delhi-Chicago services while reducing Delhi-San Francisco flights from 10 weekly services to 7 through August. Delhi-Toronto operations will be reduced from 10 weekly services to 5 through July, before returning to daily operations in August, while Delhi-Vancouver flights will drop from 7 to 5 weekly. Mumbai-Newark services will increase from three weekly flights to daily operations, growing from 7 weekly flights to a daily operation with 7 weekly flights. Delhi-New York (JFK) services will maintain its existing daily schedule with 7 weekly flights. Passengers affected by these changes will be offered alternative Air India flights where feasible, free date changes or full refunds, with the airline remaining available through its 24x7 contact centre and digital channels.
In Europe, Air India is scaling back operations on multiple routes, including Delhi-Paris, which will reduce from 14 weekly flights to 7. Delhi-Copenhagen services will reduce from four weekly flights to three, Delhi-Milan operations will reduce from five weekly flights to four, and Delhi-Vienna, Zurich, and Rome services will each reduce from 4 weekly flights to 3. The airline noted that further adjustments may be made if current operational challenges continue. Aviation industry experts note that rerouting flights around conflict-hit or restricted airspaces often leads to longer flying hours, higher crew costs and increased fuel burn, putting pressure on airline profitability. The airline stated it is working with aviation authorities and partners to bring flights back to normal once conditions improve, adding that more changes could happen if things don't improve.
Across Asia and neighbouring markets, Air India will temporarily suspend Delhi-Shanghai services through August, while Delhi-Singapore flights will reduce from 24 weekly services to 14. Mumbai-Singapore services will reduce from 14 weekly flights to 7, and Chennai-Singapore operations will remain suspended through August. Delhi-Bangkok will reduce from 28 weekly flights to 21 from July, and Mumbai-Bangkok services will reduce from 13 weekly flights to 7 from July. Delhi-Kuala Lumpur will reduce from 10 weekly services to 5, Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City services will be reduced from 7 weekly flights to 4 during July and August, and Delhi-Hanoi operations will reduce from five weekly flights to four during July and August. Delhi-Kathmandu services will reduce from 42 weekly flights to 28 in June and further to 21 during July and August, while Delhi-Dhaka flights will be reduced from 7 weekly services to 4. The airline noted that a large number of routes across Asia and neighbouring regions will also see adjustments during the ongoing adjustment period.
Air India, owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has never reported a profit since being sold by the government in 2022 and is set to post record losses of over $2.12 billion for fiscal 2025-26. The airline said persistent airspace restrictions over certain regions continue to increase flight times and operational complexity, while elevated global fuel prices have sharply raised international operating costs. Aviation industry experts note that rerouting flights around conflict-hit or restricted airspaces often leads to longer flying hours, higher crew costs and increased fuel burn, putting pressure on airline profitability. The temporary reductions are meant to keep operations stable and reduce problems for passengers during the busy summer season. The airline's international network during this period will include 33 weekly flights to North America, 47 weekly flights to Europe, 57 weekly flights to the UK, 8 weekly flights to Australia, 158 weekly flights across the Far East, Southeast Asia, and SAARC regions, and 7 weekly flights to Mauritius.
