Air India to extend flight cuts until August end

Air India is unable to sell 40-50 seats on its non stop US flights as longer duration flights require extra fuel.
| Photo Credit:
PUNIT PARANJPE

Airspace closure has resulted in penalty on payload with airline not selling 40-50 seats on non stop US flights 

Air India has extended the cut in its international services atleast until August 31 amid ongoing airspace closures that has also resulted in an increase in flight durations and reduction in payload on its non stop US flights.

On June 18 Air India had announced a temporary reduction in services until July 15 due to enhanced safety checks and to cater to additional flight durations. The airline had said the objective is to restore last minute stability and minimise last minute cancellations.

Now the cut in service is being extended. Services from London Gatwick to Amritsar and Goa will remain suspended and frequencies on various routes to Europe, North America, Asia and Africa will be cut. The schedule changes were reported by Aeroroutes, a website focused on airline schedules and networks.

Frequencies on some of the Europe and US flights are expected to be cut until winter and details of same are being finalised.

Air India did not respond to an email query.

Last Friday managing director Campbell Wilson wrote to staff that Air India continues to observe a “safety pause.” The pause was an important and necessary move to accomodate voluntary checks on aircraft, navigate volatile international airspace and stabilise flight schedules, Campbell said.

Sources however point out that the airline is yet to achieve operational stability. Also, on the demand side there is softness especially on routes from US, Canada and West Asia

 “ The airspace closures are continuing and this is impacting schedules. We need more aircraft to operate same number of flights,” a source said.

With the Pakistan and Iran airspace shut Air India’s Europe and US bound flights are taking more southern route via Egypt. While New York flights are being operated non stop, it has increased duration by 2-3 hours resulting in a payload penalty. Air India is unable to sell 40-50 seats on its non stop US flights as longer duration flights require extra fuel. Flights to Chicago, Toronto and Washington take a transit halt in Vienna. This has increased crew requirement with separate sets manning the flights to and beyond Vienna.

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Published on July 10, 2025