Air India has announced the temporary suspension of services on six international routes and reductions in select overseas operations amid rising fuel costs and ongoing international airspace restrictions.
The airline said the latest operational changes will remain in effect during the June to August period as it faces mounting financial and logistical pressures affecting long-haul international services.
According to the airline, the decision forms part of a broader operational review aimed at improving route viability during a difficult phase for the global aviation industry.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, Air India said multiple external factors are impacting the commercial feasibility of certain international operations.
“A combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record high jet fuel prices for international operations, are significantly impacting the commercial viability of certain planned services,” the airline stated.
The carrier has reportedly been facing longer flying durations and increased operating costs due to restrictions over key international air corridors linked to geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
At the same time, elevated aviation turbine fuel prices have sharply increased operational expenses for international flights across the aviation sector.
As part of the latest adjustments, Air India will temporarily suspend services on the following six international routes until August:
* Delhi–Chicago
* Mumbai–New York
* Delhi–Shanghai
* Chennai–Singapore
* Mumbai–Dhaka
* Delhi–Male
The airline clarified that the suspensions are temporary and are intended to help optimise aircraft deployment and manage operational costs more efficiently during the current period.
The announcement follows earlier route rationalisation measures already introduced by the airline on selected international sectors.