Air India on Wednesday announced a temporary rationalisation of its international flight schedule from June to August 2026 due to continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices that have affected the commercial viability of several operations.
The national carrier said the adjustments are aimed at ensuring network stability and minimising last-minute disruptions for passengers. Despite the cuts, Air India will continue to operate more than 1,200 international flights every month, maintaining a robust global presence across five continents. This includes 33 weekly flights to North America, 47 to Europe, 57 to the United Kingdom, eight to Australia, 158 to the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, and seven to Mauritius in Africa.
Key changes announced:
North America
Delhi–Chicago route temporarily suspended
Delhi–San Francisco reduced from 10 to 7 weekly flights
Delhi–Toronto reduced from 10 to 5 weekly (July), returning to daily in August
Delhi–Vancouver reduced from 7 to 5 weekly
Mumbai–Newark increased from 3 to 7 weekly
Delhi–Newark and Mumbai–New York (JFK) temporarily suspended (Delhi–New York JFK continues daily)
Europe
Delhi–Paris reduced from 14 to 7 weekly
Reductions on Delhi–Copenhagen, Milan, Vienna, Zurich and Rome routes
Australia
Delhi–Melbourne and Delhi–Sydney both reduced from 7 to 4 weekly
Far East, Southeast Asia & SAARC
Delhi–Shanghai and Chennai–Singapore temporarily suspended
Delhi–Singapore reduced from 24 to 14 weekly; Mumbai–Singapore from 14 to 7 weekly
Delhi–Bangkok reduced from 28 to 21 weekly (from July); Mumbai–Bangkok from 13 to 7 weekly
Delhi–Kuala Lumpur cut from 10 to 5 weekly
Reductions on Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Colombo and Malé routes
Air India stated it will proactively support affected passengers by offering re-accommodation on alternative flights, free date changes, or full refunds. Customers can reach out to the airline’s 24×7 contact centre or use digital channels for assistance.
The airline added that it is working closely with regulators, airport authorities and industry partners to restore full capacity at the earliest. However, it may make further adjustments if the challenging operating environment persists.
This rationalisation comes as Air India continues its fleet expansion and network modernisation under the Tata Group ownership.