Air India is set to reduce domestic flights by around 22% from next month as it moves to reduce operating pressure from high fuel prices. The airline had already reduced 27% of its international services after the US-Israeli attack on Iran triggered a sharp rise in jet fuel costs.
The carrier said the temporary changes affect select domestic and international routes between June and August. Air India said it is rationalising operations on certain routes and will restore frequencies once conditions improve. It added that passengers affected by cancellations or schedule changes will be offered re-accommodation, complimentary date changes, or full refunds.
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The move comes at a difficult time for the airline, which recently reported an annual loss of over $2 billion. Air India is also facing pressure from the ban that prevents Indian carriers from using Pakistan’s airspace, adding to route and fuel burdens.
Air India operates about 3,600 domestic flights a week. Meanwhile, Air India Express is also expected to reduce around 10% of its domestic services as it gradually resumes flights to West Asia. The cuts reflect the strain rising fuel costs are placing on airline operations across the network.
