Air travellers in Bengaluru could face higher fares and fewer flight options this summer as India’s three major carriers—IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express—plan to reduce nearly 250 domestic flights daily from June.
The temporary reductions, expected to continue through August, come amid rising aviation fuel prices and softening travel demand, affecting some of the country’s busiest routes.
Bengaluru among worst-hit cities
Bengaluru, along with Mumbai and Delhi, is expected to witness the biggest impact from the cuts. Several high-demand routes connecting Bengaluru to major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Goa will operate with reduced frequencies.
With fewer flights available, passengers may find it harder to secure preferred travel timings, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.
Airlines cite rising fuel costs
Air India is reducing around 22 per cent of its domestic operations during June and July, amounting to approximately 110 fewer flights daily. IndiGo is cutting between 5 and 7 per cent of its domestic capacity, while Air India Express is reducing nearly 10 per cent of its domestic schedule.
Industry experts point to the sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices as the primary reason. Fuel costs have reportedly increased by around 25 per cent for domestic operations, significantly affecting airline operating expenses.
Airlines have also cited weaker demand following the peak summer travel season as a contributing factor.
Airfares likely to rise further
The reduction in seat availability is expected to push ticket prices higher. Airfares on several routes have already increased by up to 30 per cent in recent weeks, while fuel surcharges of ₹400 to ₹450 per passenger have been introduced on some services.
Travellers planning journeys during the June-August period are advised to book early and monitor fare trends to avoid last-minute price spikes.
Airlines have indicated that services will be restored once fuel prices stabilise and demand improves.