Bengaluru, May 13: Air India has announced a temporary rationalisation of its international flight operations across select routes between June and August 2026, citing continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and elevated jet fuel prices impacting long-haul commercial viability.
The airline said the adjustments are intended to enhance network stability and minimise last-minute disruptions for passengers. Despite the changes, Air India confirmed it will continue operating over 1,200 international flights per month across its global network spanning five continents.
The airline currently operates services including 33 weekly flights to North America, 47 to Europe, 57 to the UK, 8 to Australia, 158 to Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, and 7 weekly flights to Mauritius.
Air India said it will assist affected passengers through re-accommodation on alternative flights, free date changes, or full refunds, supported via its 24×7 contact centre and digital platforms.
Key route adjustments include:
North America:
- Delhi–Chicago suspended temporarily
- Delhi–San Francisco reduced from 10x to 7x weekly
- Delhi–Toronto reduced to 5x weekly (returning to daily operations from August)
- Delhi–Vancouver reduced from 7x to 5x weekly
- Mumbai–Newark increased to 7x weekly
- Select Delhi and Mumbai New York/Newark services temporarily suspended
Europe: Reduced frequencies on Delhi–Paris, Copenhagen, Milan, Vienna, Zurich, and Rome routes
Australia: Delhi–Melbourne and Delhi–Sydney reduced from 7x to 4x weekly
Asia-Pacific & SAARC:
Temporary suspensions and frequency reductions on routes including Shanghai, Singapore, Chennai–Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Colombo, and Malé
The airline said it continues to work with regulators and airport authorities to restore full capacity as conditions improve, while retaining flexibility for further adjustments if required.
Air India added that its ongoing transformation programme Vihaan.AI remains on track, with fleet expansion, retrofitting of legacy aircraft, and infrastructure development continuing as planned.