Air India has significantly reduced its international operations this summer, with scheduled overseas flights in May falling to 2,072 from 2,588 during the same period last year, as rising fuel prices and airspace restrictions reshape the economics of long-haul aviation.
According to data from aviation analytics firm Official Airline Guide cited by Financial Express, the airline has removed more than 500 international flights a month from its summer schedule amid mounting operational costs linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The cuts reflect growing pressure on airlines operating ultra-long-haul services, where higher fuel burn, longer flying times and route diversions have sharply increased operating expenses.
The reductions have been most visible on Air India’s North American and European networks.
Official Airline Guide data showed a notable year-on-year decline in Air India’s international operations across both April and May.
Key figures include:
The airline’s overseas operations have therefore declined by roughly 20% year-on-year during the two-month period.
The reductions come during a traditionally strong travel season for international airlines serving North America, Europe and Gulf markets from India.
The largest reductions have occurred on Air India’s ultra-long-haul services to the United States and Canada.
According to OAG data:
Ultra-long-haul routes have become more expensive to operate because of increased fuel consumption and longer flight durations linked to restricted airspace access across parts of West Asia and neighbouring regions.
The operational impact has been compounded by elevated aviation turbine fuel prices following volatility in global crude oil markets.
Air India has also trimmed capacity on several European routes while maintaining stable operations to some key markets.
According to the report:
The adjustments indicate a selective approach to network management, with the airline preserving frequencies on stronger demand corridors while reducing exposure on routes facing higher operational pressure.
The latest schedule cuts come amid a broader increase in airline operating costs globally.
The report said geopolitical tensions in West Asia and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to a sharp rise in crude oil prices and aviation turbine fuel cracks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy shipping route, and disruption concerns have intensified volatility across aviation fuel markets.
At the same time, airlines flying to Europe and North America are facing:
The combined effect has forced airlines to reassess route viability and capacity deployment.
Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson acknowledged the growing operational pressure in an internal communication to employees last week, according to the Financial Express report.
Wilson reportedly said several international routes had become commercially unviable under current conditions.
He also indicated that the airline would continue reducing schedules through June and July while monitoring geopolitical developments and operational conditions.
The airline is hoping for stabilisation in regional tensions and an easing of airspace-related disruptions in the coming months.
The reductions at Air India reflect wider pressures across the global airline industry as carriers navigate volatile fuel markets, geopolitical instability and operational disruptions.
Long-haul airlines remain particularly exposed because fuel expenses account for a major share of operating costs on intercontinental routes.
For Indian carriers, the challenge is amplified by dependence on international expansion strategies aimed at capturing higher-yield traffic between India, North America and Europe.
As airlines continue balancing profitability with network connectivity, schedule optimisation and route rationalisation are expected to remain central industry themes through the summer travel season.
Join the conversation
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Sign In to Comment