The airline attributed the curtailment of international services to ongoing airspace restrictions and record-high jet fuel prices, which have eroded the viability of several routes.
Air India has announced cuts across 29 international routes between June and August 2026, suspending six services and reducing frequencies on others, as record-high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and West Asia airspace restrictions squeeze margins. The airline described the move as an exercise in route rationalisation designed to stabilise its network and minimise last-minute inconvenience for passengers.
“The adjustments have been made in response to a combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices for international operations, which significantly impact the commercial viability of certain planned services,” the national flag carrier said in a statement on Wednesday.
Despite the reductions, Air India will continue to operate more than 1,200 international flights every month, spanning five continents. This includes 33 flights per week to North America, 47 flights per week to Europe, 57 flights per week to the UK, 8 flights per week to Australia, 158 flights per week to the Far East, South and Southeast Asia, and 7 flights per week to Mauritius (Africa).
Air India assured that it will proactively assist passengers affected by cancellations through re-accommodation on alternative feasible flights, free date changes, or full refunds. The airline’s 24×7 contact centre and digital channels will remain available to support passengers.
Following the outbreak of hostilities in West Asia in February 2026, ATF prices in India have risen by more than 100 per cent. The Centre has announced measures such as capping ATF hikes at ₹15 per litre for domestic operations and extending a line of credit to provide relief to the country’s beleaguered aviation sector.
Route Adjustments
In North America, Delhi-Chicago flights have been temporarily suspended, while Delhi-San Francisco services have been reduced from 10 weekly to 7 weekly through August. Delhi-Toronto flights have been reduced from 10 weekly to five weekly through July, returning to daily operations in August. Delhi-Vancouver flights have been reduced from 7 weekly to 5 weekly. Mumbai-Newark flights have increased from 3 weekly to daily operations, while Delhi-Newark and Mumbai-New York (JFK) flights have been temporarily suspended. Delhi-New York (JFK) continues as a daily service.
In Europe, Delhi-Paris flights have been reduced from 14 weekly to 7 weekly. Delhi-Copenhagen flights have been reduced from 4 weekly to 3 weekly. Delhi-Milan flights have been reduced from 5 weekly to four weekly. Delhi-Vienna, Delhi-Zurich, and Delhi-Rome flights have each been reduced from 4 weekly to 3 weekly.
In Australia, Delhi-Melbourne and Delhi-Sydney flights have both been reduced from 7 weekly to 4 weekly.
In the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, Delhi-Shanghai flights have been temporarily suspended through August. Delhi-Singapore flights have been reduced from 24 weekly to 14 weekly, while Mumbai-Singapore flights have been reduced from 14 weekly to 7 weekly. Chennai-Singapore flights have been temporarily suspended through August. Delhi-Bangkok flights have been reduced from 28 weekly to 21 weekly from July, while Mumbai-Bangkok flights have been reduced from 13 weekly to 7 weekly from July. Delhi-Kuala Lumpur flights have been reduced from 10 weekly to 5 weekly. Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City flights have been reduced from 7 weekly to 4 weekly in July and August, while Delhi-Hanoi flights have been reduced from 5 weekly to 4 weekly in July and August.
Delhi-Kathmandu flights have been reduced from 42 weekly to 28 weekly in June, and further to 21 weekly in July and August. Delhi-Dhaka flights have been reduced from 7 weekly to 4 weekly, while Mumbai-Dhaka flights have been temporarily suspended through August. Mumbai-Colombo flights have been reduced from 7 weekly to 4 weekly, while Delhi-Colombo flights have been reduced from 14 weekly to 12 weekly. Delhi-Malé flights have been temporarily suspended through August.
Stating that it continues to work closely with regulators, airport authorities, and industry partners to restore full capacity as soon as conditions permit, Air India said it may make further adjustments to its network should the extraordinary operating environment prevail.