Air India has announced temporary reductions in flight frequencies on select domestic routes between June and August 2026, citing continued operational pressures arising from high fuel prices and the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airline said the latest adjustments are part of a broader strategy that also includes previously announced changes to several international services during the same period. According to the airline, soaring aviation turbine fuel prices have significantly impacted overall operational costs.
The move follows Air India’s recent decision to suspend or reduce frequencies on 29 international routes due to disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz region. The airline had stated earlier that the changes were necessary to maintain operational reliability and reduce last-minute inconvenience for passengers.
Air India also pointed to rising rerouting expenses caused by restricted airspace in conflict-affected regions. Airlines operating through West Asian air corridors have been forced to take longer alternate routes, increasing flight duration and fuel consumption.
Several international routes connecting major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai with destinations across North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia were impacted by the earlier decision. Services to cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Paris, Singapore, Bangkok, and Melbourne were among those affected.
Despite the temporary reductions, the airline said it would continue operating over 1,200 international flights every month across five continents.
Industry experts believe the global aviation sector is currently under pressure from persistently high crude oil prices, geopolitical instability, and increased operational costs linked to airspace diversions. Airlines across the world are reportedly reassessing schedules and adopting cost-management measures to deal with the prolonged uncertainty.
Air India is also understood to be exploring additional steps to optimise operations and manage expenditure as international tensions continue to impact the aviation industry.
