Air India has announced a temporary rationalisation of services on select international routes between June and August 2026, citing continued airspace restrictions across certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices for overseas operations. The airline said the extraordinary operating environment has affected the commercial viability of some planned services.
The Tata Group-owned carrier said the adjustments are intended to improve network stability and minimise last-minute inconvenience for passengers.
International network remains robust
Despite the temporary reductions, Air India said it will continue operating more than 1,200 international flights every month across five continents. The airline will maintain 33 weekly flights to North America, 47 weekly flights to Europe, 57 weekly flights to the UK, eight weekly flights to Australia, 158 weekly flights to the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, and seven weekly flights to Mauritius in Africa.
The airline said it remains committed to maintaining a strong international presence while navigating operational challenges.
Support measures for affected passengers
Air India said customers impacted by cancellations or schedule changes during the period will be proactively assisted with re-accommodation on alternative Air India services, complimentary date changes, or full refunds, wherever applicable.
The airline added that passengers can continue to access support through its 24×7 contact centre and digital platforms.
North America services revised
Under the revised schedule, the Delhi-Chicago route will be temporarily suspended. Flights between Delhi and San Francisco will be reduced from 10 weekly services to seven weekly services through August, while Delhi-Toronto flights will be reduced from 10 weekly services to five weekly services through July before returning to daily operations from August.
Delhi-Vancouver services will be scaled down from seven weekly flights to five weekly flights. Meanwhile, Mumbai-Newark flights will increase from three weekly services to seven weekly services. However, Delhi-Newark and Mumbai-New York (JFK) services will be temporarily suspended, while Delhi-New York (JFK) will continue operating daily.
Europe network sees frequency cuts
In Europe, Air India will reduce Delhi-Paris flights from 14 weekly services to seven weekly services. Services from Delhi to Copenhagen, Vienna, Zurich and Rome will each be reduced from four weekly flights to three weekly flights.
The Delhi-Milan route will also see a reduction from five weekly services to four weekly services.
Australia routes scaled back
Flights connecting Delhi with Melbourne and Sydney will each be reduced from seven weekly services to four weekly services during the adjustment period.
Southeast Asia and SAARC routes impacted
Air India will temporarily suspend Delhi-Shanghai and Chennai-Singapore services through August. Delhi-Singapore flights will be reduced from 24 weekly services to 14 weekly services, while Mumbai-Singapore services will be halved from 14 weekly flights to seven weekly flights.
The airline will also reduce Delhi-Bangkok flights from 28 weekly services to 21 weekly services from July, while Mumbai-Bangkok services will drop from 13 weekly flights to seven weekly flights.
Further reductions include Delhi-Kuala Lumpur from 10 weekly flights to five, Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City from seven to four, and Delhi-Hanoi from five to four weekly services during July and August.
SAARC and Indian Ocean routes affected
Within the SAARC region, Delhi-Kathmandu services will reduce from 42 weekly flights to 28 in June and further to 21 weekly services in July and August. Delhi-Dhaka flights will be cut from seven weekly services to four weekly services, while Mumbai-Dhaka services will remain suspended through August.
Mumbai-Colombo flights will reduce from seven weekly services to four weekly services, while Delhi-Colombo services will decline from 14 weekly flights to 12 weekly flights. Delhi-Malé services will also remain temporarily suspended through August.
Airline monitoring operating conditions
Air India said it continues to work closely with regulators, airport authorities and industry stakeholders to restore full capacity as operating conditions improve. The airline added that further network adjustments may be introduced if the challenging operating environment persists.