Air travel in India could become slightly difficult in the coming months as the country’s two biggest airlines — Air India and IndiGo — prepare to reduce domestic flights.
According to reports, both airlines will cut the number of flights on several routes for the next 90 days starting June 1, 2026.
The decision comes mainly because of rising fuel prices and a drop in passenger demand after the summer holiday season.
Why Are Airlines Reducing Flights?
One of the biggest reasons behind the move is the sharp increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices.
Industry reports suggest that ATF prices have crossed ₹1 lakh per kiloliter in several cities.
Earlier, the price was around ₹80,000.
Different VAT rates across states have added more pressure on airlines.
At the same time, airlines are also seeing lower passenger demand after schools and colleges reopen following vacations.
Because of this, airlines are finding it expensive to operate flights on routes with fewer travelers.
How Much Will Flights Be Reduced?
Reports suggest that:
Air India may reduce domestic flights by around 15%
IndiGo may cut flights by 5% to 7%
The aviation sector is also facing pressure because of rising international fuel prices and ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Which Routes Could Be Affected?
Several routes from major airports like Delhi and Mumbai are expected to see fewer flights.
Flights from Mumbai to cities such as:
Ahmedabad
Nagpur
Patna
Bhopal
could be reduced.
Similarly, routes from Delhi to:
Hyderabad
Bengaluru
Kolkata
may also see fewer daily flights.
Some routes in South India are also likely to be affected.
However, airlines have clarified that no route will be completely shut down.
Only the number of flights will be reduced to balance operations and control costs.
Airlines Have Already Started Preparing
To avoid last-minute problems for passengers, airlines have reportedly already removed some flights from booking platforms.
This means travelers may notice fewer flight options while booking tickets over the next few months.
Experts say airlines usually reduce capacity after the holiday season every year.
But this time, record-high fuel prices have made the situation more serious.
Ticket Prices Could Rise Next
Aviation experts warn that if fuel prices continue to stay high, flight ticket prices may increase in the coming months.
Another challenge is the slowdown in international travel connections.
Earlier, many passengers used domestic flights to reach hub airports like Delhi and Mumbai before flying abroad.
A weaker international network could now reduce those connecting passengers as well.
For now, airlines are focusing on controlling costs and maintaining stable operations during a difficult period for the aviation industry.
