Air India trims domestic flights for July-August as fuel costs soar

In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said the airline has temporarily adjusted some domestic services after earlier changes to international routes.

In Short

• Air India to cut 15-20% domestic flights in July-August
• Fuel cost rise due to Iran crisis hits airline operations
• Reductions temporary, focus on select routes only

Passengers planning to fly with Air India in the coming weeks may see fewer flight options on some domestic routes. After reducing a part of its international schedule, the airline has now decided to trim select domestic operations for July and August due to rising fuel costs.

The move comes at a time when global tensions, especially the Iran crisis, have pushed up aviation fuel prices, increasing pressure on airlines across the world, including in India.

DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULE TO BE REDUCED

Sources told India Today that Air India may reduce domestic operations by around 15–20% during July and August. The airline is currently working on revised schedules for affected routes.

The changes are expected to be temporary and aimed at managing higher operating costs, particularly the sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices.

Instead of suspending routes completely, the airline is likely to reduce the number of flights on select sectors.

WHY IS AIR INDIA CUTTING FLIGHTS?

The main reason behind the decision is the rising cost of fuel, which forms a major part of an airline’s expenses.

The recent Iran conflict has added pressure to global oil markets, making fuel more expensive. This has affected the civil aviation sector in India, where airlines are already dealing with cost pressures.

With fuel prices staying high, airlines are being forced to rethink schedules and manage costs carefully.

AIR INDIA CALLS IT A TEMPORARY MEASURE

In an official statement, an Air India spokesperson said the airline has temporarily adjusted some domestic services after earlier changes to international routes.

“In continuation of our previously announced adjustments to select international services between June and August 2026, we have temporarily rationalised operations on certain domestic routes during the same period, with a reduction in frequencies on select routes.”

The airline said the changes are being made because of the “sustained impact of high fuel prices on overall operations”.

Air India also said it will continue reviewing the situation and may restore normal flight frequency once conditions improve.

“Air India will continue to monitor demand and operating conditions closely, with a view to restoring frequencies as conditions stabilise.”

WHAT HAPPENS TO AFFECTED PASSENGERS?

Passengers whose flights are affected will be given support by the airline.

According to Air India, impacted travellers will be offered options such as alternative flights, free date changes, or full refunds depending on their booking conditions.

“Passengers impacted by these changes will be proactively assisted with re-accommodation on alternative flights, complimentary date changes, or full refunds, as applicable.”

For travellers, this means checking flight schedules in advance may be important over the next two months, especially on busy domestic routes.

- Ends