Air India to cut up to 22% domestic flights:Cites rising fuel costs, international services already slashed by 27%

Air India will reduce up to 22% of its domestic flight operations between June and August as soaring fuel prices continue to increase operational costs, news agency PTI reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The airline, which has already scaled down several international services, said the temporary reduction is part of a broader effort to rationalise operations amid mounting financial pressure. Domestic and international operations affected Air India currently operates around 4,400 weekly flights, including nearly 3,600 domestic and around 800 international services. The report said the airline has already reduced international flight operations by nearly 27%, while domestic frequencies on selected routes will now also be cut by 20-22%. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airline said it had “temporarily rationalised operations on certain domestic routes” during the June-August period. “In continuation of our previously announced adjustments to select international services between June and August 2026, we have temporarily rationalised operations on certain domestic routes during the same period, with a reduction in frequencies on select routes,’ the airline said. ‘These adjustments are driven by the sustained impact of high fuel prices on overall operations’, the airline added.

Why Air India is reducing flights The airline said the move was driven by the “sustained impact of high fuel prices” on overall operations. Global crude oil prices have remained volatile in recent months due to geopolitical tensions and supply concerns, significantly increasing aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs for airlines worldwide. Fuel expenses typically account for one of the largest components of airline operating costs, especially for carriers managing large domestic and international networks. Air India said it would continue reviewing demand and operational conditions before restoring normal schedules. “Air India will continue to monitor demand and operating conditions closely, with a view to restoring frequencies as conditions stabilise,” the statement added. What happens to affected passengers The airline said passengers impacted by the revised schedule would receive assistance through: The carrier said affected travellers would be informed proactively about schedule changes. Airlines under pressure from fuel price surge The latest move highlights the growing financial pressure on airlines amid rising fuel costs and uncertain global economic conditions. Several global carriers have either revised schedules, reduced routes or increased fares in recent months to offset higher operational expenses linked to fuel prices and supply disruptions. For Air India, the reductions come at a time when the Tata Group-owned airline is undergoing a large-scale transformation and fleet modernisation programme while simultaneously trying to improve profitability and operational efficiency.