Air India on Wednesday announced a temporary rationalisation of its international route network through August 2026, citing continued airspace restrictions in certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices affecting the commercial viability of several operations.
The airline said the decision was taken to improve “network stability” and minimize last-minute inconvenience to passengers while continuing to operate more than 1,200 international flights every month across five continents.
Airline Cites Operational Challenges
In an official statement, Air India said the temporary adjustments were necessary due to extraordinary operating conditions.
“The adjustments have been made in response to a combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices for international operations, which significantly impact the commercial viability of certain planned services,” the airline stated.
Despite the reductions, the carrier said it would continue operating a robust international network, including:
- 33 weekly flights to North America
- 47 weekly flights to Europe
- 57 weekly flights to the United Kingdom
- 8 weekly flights to Australia
- 158 weekly flights to the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions
- 7 weekly flights to Mauritius
Major Changes On North America Routes
Under the revised schedule:
- Delhi–Chicago services have been temporarily suspended
- Delhi–San Francisco flights reduced from 10 weekly to 7 weekly flights till August
- Delhi–Toronto flights reduced from 10 weekly to 5 weekly flights through July before resuming daily service in August
- Delhi–Vancouver reduced from 7 weekly flights to 5 weekly flights
- Mumbai–Newark increased from 3 weekly flights to daily operations
Meanwhile:
- Delhi–New York (JFK) will continue daily operations
- Delhi–Newark and Mumbai–New York (JFK) remain temporarily suspended
Europe And Australia Flights Reduced
In Europe:
- Delhi–Paris reduced from 14 weekly flights to 7
- Delhi–Copenhagen, Vienna, Zurich and Rome reduced from 4 weekly flights to 3
- Delhi–Milan reduced from 5 weekly flights to 4
For Australia:
- Delhi–Melbourne reduced from daily to 4 weekly flights
- Delhi–Sydney also reduced from daily to 4 weekly flights
Southeast Asia, SAARC Services Also Affected
Several routes in the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions have also been revised:
- Delhi–Shanghai and Chennai–Singapore temporarily suspended through August
- Delhi–Singapore reduced from 24 weekly flights to 14
- Mumbai–Singapore reduced from 14 weekly flights to 7
- Delhi–Bangkok reduced from 28 weekly flights to 21 from July
- Mumbai–Bangkok reduced from 13 weekly flights to 7
Additional changes include:
- Delhi–Kuala Lumpur reduced from 10 weekly flights to 5
- Delhi–Ho Chi Minh City reduced from 7 weekly flights to 4 during July-August
- Delhi–Hanoi reduced from 5 weekly flights to 4
South Asian Routes Witness Cuts
On South Asian sectors:
- Delhi–Kathmandu reduced from 42 weekly flights to 28 in June and further to 21 in July-August
- Delhi–Dhaka reduced from 7 weekly flights to 4
- Mumbai–Dhaka temporarily suspended through August
- Delhi–Colombo reduced from 14 weekly flights to 12
- Mumbai–Colombo reduced from 7 weekly flights to 4
- Delhi–Male temporarily suspended through August
Passengers To Get Refunds, Alternate Travel Options
Air India said affected passengers would receive alternative travel arrangements, free date changes or full refunds depending on eligibility.
“Air India will proactively assist customers with bookings affected by the cancellations through this period with re-accommodation on alternative feasible Air India flights, free date change or full refunds, as applicable,” the airline said.
The airline added that it continues to coordinate with regulators, airport authorities and industry stakeholders to restore full capacity once conditions improve.
