Air India to cut nearly 100 flights till July amid fuel surge, airspace curbs

Air India plans to temporarily cut back nearly 100 domestic and international flights through July, as increasing expenses and operational hurdles continue to pressure its finances.

This step follows a sudden spike in jet fuel prices and persistent airspace restrictions, making many international routes costlier to fly. Numerous long‑haul services are now forced onto longer detours because of geopolitical tensions, sharply raising fuel usage and expenses.

Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, told staff on Friday that the carrier had already trimmed some international flights in April and May. He added that additional reductions will continue into June and July as conditions deteriorate.

“We have trimmed some flights for April and May… the steep increase in jet fuel prices, combined with airspace closures and longer routing, has rendered many international services unprofitable,” Wilson noted in an internal communication.

Reports indicate that Air India flies roughly 1,100 flights each day. The recent reductions will mainly affect services to Europe, North America, Australia, and Singapore. A number of flights have already been rerouted because of airspace restrictions tied to ongoing conflicts, resulting in longer journey times and increased fuel consumption.

Wilson acknowledged the tough circumstances, noting that these combined pressures have created a difficult operating environment, forcing the airline to further reduce its schedule.

“We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers’ travel plans and our crew’s rosters, and we hope the Middle East situation eases — and the Strait of Hormuz reopens — allowing us to resume normal operations,” he added.

The carrier is already facing financial strain, with jet fuel prices climbing to $179.46 per barrel for the week ending April 24 — an 80 % rise from $99.40 at the close of February. The Air India Group is projected to have posted a loss of about ₹22,000 crore for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.

Wilson also announced that he will resign from his position later this year.

(With inputs from IANS)