India, May 14 : Facing soaring aviation fuel expenses and continued airspace restrictions triggered by the escalating conflict in West Asia, Air India has announced a large-scale reduction in its overseas network between June and August, significantly affecting passengers travelling to destinations across multiple continents.
The airline confirmed that nearly 400 international services would be withdrawn every month during the three-month period as rising operational costs make several long-haul routes financially difficult to sustain. The decision follows growing concerns within India’s aviation sector over unprecedented increases in aviation turbine fuel prices.
Industry pressure intensified after the Federation of Indian Airlines, which includes Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, warned the government that airlines were functioning under severe financial strain because of surging fuel expenditure and unstable international operating conditions.
The revised schedule affects several key intercontinental sectors. Services connecting India with the United States and Canada have witnessed some of the sharpest reductions. Flights between Delhi and Chicago have been completely withdrawn, while services to San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver will operate with lower frequencies through most of the summer season.
Certain routes linking Mumbai and the United States have also undergone restructuring. While Mumbai-Newark operations are being strengthened with daily connectivity, other premium routes such as Delhi-Newark and Mumbai-JFK have been suspended temporarily.
European sectors have also been impacted as the airline rationalises aircraft deployment. Frequencies to Paris have been significantly reduced, while services to cities including Copenhagen, Vienna, Zurich, Rome and Milan will operate fewer flights each week until operational conditions improve.
In the Australia sector, connections from Delhi to Melbourne and Sydney will no longer run daily, with the airline reducing services substantially during July and August.
Across Asia, the carrier has suspended operations to Shanghai, Dhaka and Malé, while routes to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will function with reduced weekly schedules. The adjustments are expected to affect both business and leisure travellers during one of the busiest international travel periods of the year.
Despite the disruption, Air India said passengers impacted by cancellations would receive support through alternate bookings, complimentary rescheduling options or complete refunds. The airline added that it is coordinating with aviation authorities and airport operators to stabilise services and gradually restore capacity once market conditions become favourable.
The airline, however, cautioned that additional revisions may become necessary if fuel prices continue climbing or geopolitical tensions further complicate international flight operations. Aviation experts believe prolonged instability in West Asia could continue affecting airline profitability worldwide, particularly for carriers operating fuel-intensive long-haul networks.