Air India to cut 38 international flights per week; suspends services on 3 overseas routes

By Admin

20 Jun, 2025

In a move aimed at restoring schedule stability and minimizing last-minute inconvenience to travelers, Air India has announced a temporary reduction of its international flight operations. The Tata Group-owned airline confirmed on June 19, 2025, that it will cut 38 international flights per week and suspend services on three overseas routes between June 21 and July 15, 2025.

Safety and Stability at the Core

The decision follows operational disruptions triggered by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. Air India stated that the objective is to enhance operational reliability while carrying out voluntary, enhanced pre-flight safety checks, particularly on its Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 fleets.

The airline emphasized that the 15% reduction in wide-body aircraft operations will help manage scheduling more effectively, especially during a period where multiple external and technical factors are causing uncertainty in long-haul travel.

Routes Affected by the Suspension

Air India will suspend services on three key international routes until at least July 15:

• Delhi – Nairobi (4 flights/week)
  
  

• Amritsar – London Gatwick (3 flights/week)
  
  

• Goa (Mopa) – London Gatwick (3 flights/week)
  
  

Reductions on 18 Global Routes

Besides the suspended routes, flight frequencies will be reduced across 18 international sectors, covering North America, Europe, Australia, and the Far East:

North America:

• Delhi – Toronto
  
  

• Delhi – Vancouver
  
  

• Delhi – San Francisco
  
  

• Delhi – Chicago
  
  

• Delhi – Washington
  
  

Europe:

• Delhi – London Heathrow
  
  

• Bengaluru – London Heathrow
  
  

• Amritsar – Birmingham
  
  

• Delhi – Birmingham
  
  

• Delhi – Paris
  
  

• Delhi – Milan
  
  

• Delhi – Copenhagen
  
  

• Delhi – Vienna
  
  

• Delhi – Amsterdam
  
  

Australia & Far East:

• Delhi – Melbourne
  
  

• Delhi – Sydney
  
  

• Delhi – Tokyo Haneda
  
  

• Delhi – Seoul (Incheon)
  
  

These reductions are influenced not only by internal safety initiatives but also by external challenges, including airspace closures over the Middle East and night-time operational restrictions at certain international airports.

A Message from Air India's Leadership

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson addressed passengers directly, acknowledging the disruption and reiterating the airline's commitment to safety.

“We have elected to continue enhanced pre-flight safety checks as a confidence-building measure. Regrettably, this, along with airspace restrictions and airport curfews, has led to a higher-than-usual number of cancellations on our long-haul routes,” he stated.

He also noted that the airline is preparing more backup aircraft to manage any unforeseen operational issues and reduce the risk of further last-minute cancellations.

Support for Affected Passengers

Air India has assured that it is proactively reaching out to affected passengers to provide alternatives, including:

• Re-accommodation on other flights
  
  

• Complimentary rescheduling
  
  

• Full refunds, based on passenger preference
  
  

The airline extended an apology to all passengers affected by the revised schedule, acknowledging the inconvenience but emphasizing that the measures are necessary for safe and stable operations.