Air India has announced a significant reduction in its flight operations, citing a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The move will see the airline cut around 100 flights daily, affecting both domestic and international routes, reported Mint.
Nearly 10% of flights to be cut
The Tata Group-owned airline currently operates about 1,100 flights a day. The planned cuts account for close to 10 per cent of its total schedule, making it one of the largest capacity reductions in recent years.
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The steepest impact will be on long-haul international routes, particularly those connecting India with Europe, North America, Australia, and Singapore. These routes typically involve higher fuel consumption, making them more vulnerable to rising costs.
Key international routes affected
Flights from Delhi and Mumbai to major global cities, including London, Paris, New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Sydney, and Melbourne, are expected to see reduced frequency. Even high-demand sectors like Singapore may face cuts, indicating a shift in focus from expansion to maintaining route-level viability, per Mint report.
The decision follows a sharp increase in global jet fuel prices. Industry data suggests ATF prices have surged nearly 80 per cent in recent weeks, significantly raising operational expenses. Fuel alone can account for up to 40 per cent of an airline's total costs.
Rising costs and operational challenges
Geopolitical factors have added to the strain. Airspace restrictions have forced airlines to take longer routes, especially on flights to Europe and North America. These detours increase travel time and fuel consumption, further impacting margins.
Industry bodies, including the Federation of Indian Airlines, have flagged concerns over rising costs and warned that more service reductions could follow without policy support. Airlines have called for measures such as lowering taxes on jet fuel to ease the burden.
Impact on passengers and sector
The reduction in flights is likely to affect travellers, particularly on long-haul routes. Fewer flights could mean higher ticket prices, limited availability, and less flexibility in travel plans.
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The move also reflects broader pressures across the aviation sector, as airlines worldwide adjust operations in response to volatile fuel prices and evolving global conditions.
