Air India Cancels Several International Flights Till August Amid Rising Jet Fuel Costs
The airline has reduced services on major international routes due to soaring fuel prices and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Air India has announced a major reduction in its international flight operations from June to August 2026 due to a sharp rise in jet fuel prices and continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to the airline, flights on 29 major international routes will either be suspended temporarily or operated less frequently during the three month period. The decision has been taken to manage rising operational costs and avoid last minute disruptions for passengers.
Air India officials said the ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to the closure of airspace in several regions, forcing aircraft to take longer alternative routes. This has significantly increased fuel consumption and operating expenses, making several international routes commercially difficult to sustain.
Despite the cuts, the airline clarified that it will continue operating more than 1,200 international flights every month to maintain global connectivity for passengers.
The airline stated that routes to North America, Europe, and Australia will see the biggest changes. Flights from Delhi to Chicago and Newark, as well as Mumbai to New York, have been temporarily suspended.
Services to cities such as San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver have also been reduced, with fewer flights operating each week.
In Europe, Air India has scaled down services to major destinations including Paris, Milan, Vienna, and Rome.
Flights to Australia have also been affected. Services to Sydney and Melbourne, which were previously operating daily, will now run only four times a week.
To reduce inconvenience for travellers, the airline has announced relief measures for affected passengers. Those whose bookings are cancelled will be offered alternative flight options wherever available.
Passengers will also have the choice of changing their travel dates without extra charges or receiving a full refund.
Air India has advised travellers to check the latest flight status through its digital platforms or customer care services before leaving for the airport.
Industry experts believe that rising fuel costs and ongoing global conflicts are creating fresh challenges for the aviation sector worldwide.
They say Air India’s decision is part of a broader strategy to prevent financial losses, although the move is expected to affect many passengers planning overseas travel during the summer holiday season.