THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, May 13: Air India on Wednesday announced a reduction in its international flight operations for the June-August period, including the temporary suspension of services on six overseas routes, citing continued airspace restrictions and record-high jet fuel prices.
The Tata Group-owned airline said the move is part of a broader rationalisation plan aimed at managing rising operational costs and improving route viability.
Six international routes suspended till August
According to the airline, the following international routes will remain temporarily suspended till August:
- Delhi–Chicago
- Mumbai–New York
- Delhi–Shanghai
- Chennai–Singapore
- Mumbai–Dhaka
- Delhi–Male
Air India said the revised international schedule will remain in effect throughout the June-August period.
“A combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices for international operations, are significantly impacting the commercial viability of certain planned services,” the airline said in a statement.
Air India continues international operations on key sectors
Despite the suspension of select routes and reductions on some sectors, Air India said it will continue operating more than 1,200 international flights every month.
The airline’s international schedule currently includes:
- 33 flights per week to North America
- 47 flights per week to Europe
- 57 flights per week to the United Kingdom
- Eight flights per week to Australia
- 158 flights per week to the Far East, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries
- Seven flights per week to Mauritius in Africa
Rising costs impacting international aviation sector
Air India had earlier reduced flights on certain international routes as part of efforts to manage operational and financial pressures.
Industry experts say prolonged airspace restrictions in parts of the world, along with elevated aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, have increased operating expenses for long-haul international flights, affecting profitability for airlines globally.
The latest decision comes as Air India continues its restructuring and fleet expansion plans under the Tata Group following its acquisition from the government.