Air India has announced another round of international flight cuts between June and August 2026 as soaring jet fuel prices and airspace restrictions continue to impact operations.
The Tata-owned airline said the temporary changes are meant to improve schedule stability and reduce last-minute disruptions for passengers.
At the same time, Air India clarified that it has not suspended all international services.
The airline said it will still operate more than 1,200 international flights every month across five continents.
Why Air India Is Reducing Flights
The biggest reasons behind the cuts are:
Record-high jet fuel prices
Longer flight routes caused by airspace restrictions
Rising operational costs on long-haul flights
According to Air India, several international routes have become commercially difficult to operate.
The closure of Pakistani airspace has especially affected flights to Europe and North America.
Aircraft are now taking longer routes, which means:
Higher fuel consumption
Increased crew costs
Longer flying times
Air India has been impacted more than some rivals because of its large international network, especially in North America and Europe.
Routes Temporarily Suspended
Air India has temporarily suspended several international routes till August 2026.
North America
Delhi–Chicago
Delhi–Newark
Mumbai–New York (JFK)
Asia and Neighbouring Countries
Delhi–Shanghai
Chennai–Singapore
Mumbai–Dhaka
Delhi–Malé
However, the airline has increased Mumbai–Newark services from 3 weekly flights to 7 weekly flights.
Major International Routes See Frequency Cuts
Apart from suspensions, Air India has also reduced flight frequencies on several important routes.
North America
Delhi–San Francisco: 10 to 7 weekly flights
Delhi–Toronto: 10 to 5 weekly flights till July
Delhi–Vancouver: 7 to 5 weekly flights
Europe
Delhi–Paris: 14 to 7 weekly flights
Delhi–Copenhagen: 4 to 3 weekly flights
Delhi–Milan: 5 to 4 weekly flights
Delhi–Zurich: 4 to 3 weekly flights
Delhi–Rome: 4 to 3 weekly flights
Delhi–Vienna: 4 to 3 weekly flights
Australia
Delhi–Melbourne: Daily to 4 weekly flights
Delhi–Sydney: Daily to 4 weekly flights
Asia Routes Also Affected
Several flights to Southeast Asia and neighbouring countries have also been reduced.
These include:
Delhi–Singapore
Mumbai–Singapore
Delhi–Bangkok
Mumbai–Bangkok
Delhi–Kuala Lumpur
Delhi–Ho Chi Minh City
Delhi–Hanoi
Delhi–Kathmandu
Delhi–Dhaka
Delhi and Mumbai–Colombo
One of the biggest cuts is on the Delhi–Kathmandu route, which will fall from 42 weekly flights to 21 during July and August.
What Passengers Can Do
Air India said passengers affected by the schedule changes will be offered:
Alternative flights
Free date changes
Full refunds
The airline has advised travellers to regularly check their booking status before departure.
Rising Fuel Prices Are Hitting Airlines Globally
Jet fuel prices have risen sharply worldwide in recent months, creating pressure on airlines across the industry.
For long-haul international flights, fuel can account for nearly 40% of operating expenses.
Combined with airspace restrictions and longer flying routes, airlines are now being forced to rethink schedules and reduce less profitable services.
For passengers, this could mean:
Fewer direct flights
Higher ticket prices
Longer travel times
Reduced seat availability during peak seasons
