On Wednesday, Air India has announced it will temporarily suspend its international operations, including flights on six routes overseas, due to continued restrictions on airspace and rising jet fuel prices that are impacting on the commercial viability of long-haul flights.
The new timetable will remain in effect from June to August, as part of the airline’s overall rationalisation measures to help manage operational costs and boost route efficiency. Temporarily suspended routes include Delhi-Chicago, Mumbai-New York, Delhi-Shanghai, Chennai-Singapore, Mumbai-Dhaka and Delhi-Male.
Air India released an official statement, highlighting that “several challenges in the global aviation sector such as limited air corridors in sensitive international areas and unprecedented high aviation fuel costs have led to significant rise in the operating costs for international aviation flights”. Passenger demand and the operational and financial viability were considered, the airline said.
However, Air India said it will continue to fly over 1200 flights per month to key international destinations, despite the suspensions on the routes. This includes regular flights to North America, Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, South East Asia, SAARC countries and Mauritius.
This is the result of the pressures on airlines around the world due to skyrocketing fuel costs, geopolitical concerns, and evolving travel habits. Affected passengers will be provided alternative travel arrangements, and will be offered either a refund or rescheduling by the airline.