MUMBAI- Air India (AI) will restore most of the domestic and international flights it temporarily reduced from September 1, while also increasing frequencies on several key overseas routes. The expansion includes additional services to New York (JFK), Tokyo (NRT), Milan (MXP), Frankfurt (FRA), Zurich (ZRH), Vienna (VIE), and Melbourne (MEL).
The decision follows temporary capacity cuts introduced by Air India (AI) during July and August due to higher fuel prices and operational challenges. The airline now expects to gradually rebuild its network as operating conditions improve.
Air India Rebuilds Network for Winter Schedule
Air India is preparing to restore most of the services that were temporarily reduced during the summer months. According to an internal memo cited by Reuters, the airline will resume the majority of the affected flights from September 1 while strengthening its international schedule for the upcoming winter season.
The restored capacity comes after the carrier reduced both domestic and international operations to manage the impact of elevated fuel prices and other operational constraints.
Alongside the restored flights, Air India will increase frequencies on several important long haul and international routes. Additional services are planned for:
- Milan (MXP)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Zurich (ZRH)
- Vienna (VIE)
- Melbourne (MEL)
- Tokyo (NRT)
- New York (JFK)
The airline has not yet disclosed the exact number of additional weekly flights or the revised schedules for each destination.
Why Air India Reduced Flights
Air India announced significant capacity reductions earlier this year as operating costs increased sharply.
In May, the airline confirmed that nearly 100 international flights would be cut during the June through August period. International capacity was reduced by as much as 27%, with seven routes temporarily suspended.
The suspended international routes included:
- Delhi (DEL) to Chicago (ORD)
- Delhi (DEL) to Newark (EWR)
- Mumbai (BOM) to New York (JFK)
- Delhi (DEL) to Shanghai (PVG)
- Chennai (MAA) to Singapore (SIN)
- Mumbai (BOM) to Dhaka (DAC)
- Delhi (DEL) to Malé (MLE)
Shortly afterward, Air India also reduced domestic operations.
Sources indicated that the airline cut approximately 20% to 22% of its domestic schedule during July and August. With around 3,600 domestic flights operating every week before the reductions, this translated into more than 790 weekly services being removed at the peak of the cuts.
At the time, Air India said the reductions were necessary because of sustained increases in fuel costs and other operational pressures affecting airline economics.
Passengers Offered Flexible Travel Options
When announcing the temporary reductions, Air India stated that passengers impacted by cancelled flights would receive multiple travel options.
Eligible customers were offered:
- Rebooking on alternative Air India flights
- Complimentary travel date changes
- Full refunds where applicable
The airline also said it would continue monitoring market demand and operational conditions before restoring additional frequencies.
The latest restoration plan indicates that those conditions have improved sufficiently for most suspended services to return from September.
Financial Pressures Continue
Although Air India is rebuilding its network, the airline continues to face significant financial challenges.
According to Singapore Airlines Group’s annual financial report, Air India recorded a loss exceeding SGD 3.56 billion, equivalent to more than ₹26,700 crore, during the financial year ending March 2026.
Singapore Airlines Group owns a 25.1% stake in Air India, while Tata Group remains the majority shareholder.
The restoration of flights and expanded international frequencies are expected to improve aircraft utilization and strengthen the carrier’s global connectivity during the winter travel season. However, the airline has not yet released detailed schedules or confirmed the number of additional frequencies that will be added on each route.
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