Two of India’s biggest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, which together account for nearly 90% of the country’s aviation operations, will scale back services for the next three months due to rising fuel prices. Starting June 1, both airlines will reduce domestic flight frequencies on select routes as operational costs continue to rise. Here’s everything you need to know.
Air India & IndiGo To Reduce Domestic Flights Ops
According to The Economic Times, Air India and IndiGo are set to reduce domestic flight operations from June 1 as airlines continue to grapple with a sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. The temporary cuts, which will remain in place for 90 days from June to August, will see Air India reduce operations by up to 22% and IndiGo by 7%.
The report noted that despite it being the peak summer travel season, a combination of rising fuel prices, weak demand and the ongoing US-Iran conflict has forced airlines to scale back services.
The Economic Times reported that flight operations from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Patna and Bhopal are likely to be hit due to this service cut down. Furthermore, from the Delhi Airport, the number of flights to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata might also see a significant drop.
Also Read: Why Was IndiGo’s Chennai-Bound Flight Evacuated At Bengaluru Airport?
Here’s All You Need To Know About This
As per NDTV, Air India currently operates around 4,400 weekly flights, including nearly 3,600 domestic and 800 international services. While the airline had already reduced its international operations by 27% earlier, it is now set to trim domestic services as well by up to 22%.
In a statement issued by Air India, the airline said, “In continuation of our previously announced adjustments to select international services between June and August 2026, we have temporarily rationalised operations on certain domestic routes during the same period, with a reduction in frequencies on select routes.”
They added, “Air India will continue to monitor demand and operating conditions closely, with a view to restoring frequencies as conditions stabilise.”
Also Read: Gujarat To Build ₹105-Cr Residential Complex On Air India Crash Site; Victims’ Families Oppose It
What are your thoughts on this move by these airlines? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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Why are Air India and IndiGo reducing domestic flights?
The airlines are cutting services due to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, weak passenger demand, and increased operational costs.
How long will the reduced operations continue?
The temporary cuts will come into effect from June 1 and the changes will remain in place for 90 days, from June to August.
Will ticket prices increase because of this?
Reduced flight frequencies could lead to limited seat availability, which may push fares higher on certain routes.