New Delhi: 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.

Air India cites fuel costs and airspace restrictions

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.

Six international routes temporarily suspended

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.

International operations to continue on key sectors

Despite the temporary suspensions, Air India stated that it will continue operating more than 1,200 international flights every month across its global network.

According to the revised operational schedule, the airline will maintain:

  • 33 weekly flights to North America
  • 47 weekly services to Europe
  • 57 weekly flights to the United Kingdom
  • Eight weekly services to Australia
  • 158 weekly flights covering the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions
  • Seven weekly services to Mauritius in Africa

The airline indicated that its focus remains on maintaining connectivity across major international markets while balancing operational sustainability.

Aviation sector facing global pressures

The aviation industry globally has been facing increasing operational strain due to geopolitical instability, fluctuating fuel prices and airspace restrictions affecting major international routes.

Airlines operating long-haul services have particularly been impacted by longer flight paths caused by restricted air corridors, resulting in increased fuel consumption and crew-related expenses.

Industry experts note that carriers worldwide have been reassessing route profitability and adjusting schedules to manage rising operational costs.

Air India’s latest move reflects the wider challenges currently affecting global aviation networks.

Passengers travelling on the affected routes are expected to receive rebooking options, refunds or alternate travel arrangements in line with airline policies.

The airline has advised travellers to regularly check updated flight schedules and official notifications before planning international travel during the affected period.