Air India is considering a significant reduction in flight operations as it faces mounting cost and efficiency pressures across its network. The planned adjustment is being framed internally as a network optimisation exercise rather than a step back from expansion plans.
Possible Scale of Cuts
At the individual airline level, flight reductions could range between 15% and 20%. For the broader group, including Air India Express, the cuts are expected to be more moderate, between 10% and 15%.
The airline is reportedly identifying specific routes where reducing frequencies or adjusting schedules could improve cost efficiency while maintaining overall connectivity.
International Routes to See Biggest Impact
The planned reductions are expected to hit international operations the hardest, especially long-haul routes to Europe and North America.
Higher operating costs, longer flight durations, and lower aircraft utilisation have made these routes less efficient. In some cases, airspace diversions have increased travel times, reducing the number of flights aircraft can operate in a cycle.
Domestic routes may also see selective adjustments, but the sharper impact is expected in overseas sectors.
Rising Costs Pressuring Margins
Sustained increases in aviation turbine fuel prices are adding significant pressure on airline profitability. Fuel remains one of the largest cost components for carriers, and higher prices are forcing a reassessment of route viability.
Longer flying times, higher crew costs, and reduced aircraft efficiency are further affecting international route economics.
Impact on Fares and Capacity
The proposed reduction of more than 100 daily flights across the group could tighten seat availability, particularly during peak travel periods. This may lead to upward pressure on airfares on affected routes.
Industry observers note that other airlines are also closely watching cost trends, suggesting that similar capacity adjustments could follow if conditions remain challenging.
