Air India has not cancelled all international operations. Instead, the airline has temporarily reduced or adjusted services on select overseas routes due to rising operational costs, geopolitical tensions in West Asia and increasing pressure on profitability.
The airline continues to operate flights to major destinations across Europe, North America, Australia and Asia, although some sectors are currently witnessing reduced frequency and schedule changes.
Why Confusion Spread Over Air India’s International Flights
The speculation appears to have emerged after reports suggested that Air India would scale down parts of its international network through June and July 2026.
According to reports, the move is linked to surging aviation turbine fuel prices, restricted airspace routes due to the ongoing West Asia conflict and mounting operational expenses affecting long-haul flights.
However, only a portion of Air India’s global network is affected.
Out of more than 1,000 daily domestic and international operations conducted by the airline, roughly 100 flights may face temporary reduction, cancellation or rescheduling during this period.
Air India Continues Flights to Major Global Destinations
Despite the temporary reductions, Air India has not announced any blanket cancellation of international services and continues to operate flights to several major cities across the world.
The airline continues services across key destinations in:
- Europe
- North America
- Australia
- Southeast Asia
- The Middle East
- East Asia
Travellers may, however, experience fewer weekly flights on certain long-haul sectors as the airline attempts to manage costs and operational challenges.
Why Air India Is Reducing International Operations
According to a report published by ANI on May 8, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson informed employees that several international routes had become increasingly difficult to operate profitably.
The airline is facing pressure due to:
- Sharp increases in aviation turbine fuel prices
- Airspace restrictions in parts of West Asia
- Longer flight durations because of rerouted corridors
- Rising crew and operational expenses
Flights that previously used shorter air routes are now being diverted because of geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Some rerouted journeys are reportedly taking between 60 and 90 minutes longer than usual, significantly increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Which Air India Routes Are Most Affected?
Several long-haul routes from Delhi and Mumbai are reportedly witnessing reduced frequency.
Among the routes believed to be most affected are services to:
- London
- Frankfurt
- Paris
- New York
- Toronto
- Sydney
- Melbourne
Some international sectors, including Delhi–Vienna and Mumbai–Osaka, have reportedly been suspended temporarily.
Meanwhile, routes to cities such as Frankfurt, Chicago, Vancouver, Melbourne and Singapore could reportedly see frequency reductions ranging between 15 and 30 per cent.
Air India Extends Suspension of Tel Aviv Flights
Separately, Air India has extended the suspension of its Tel Aviv–Delhi operations until the end of June amid continuing uncertainty in the region.
A senior executive overseeing the airline’s Israel operations confirmed the development to PTI.
The airline had earlier suspended flights on the route until the end of May before deciding to extend the halt further.
Although the ceasefire between the United States and Iran has largely held for some time, instability in parts of West Asia continues to affect international aviation operations. Many airlines across the world have either suspended or limited flights to Tel Aviv.
Apart from Israeli carriers including El Al, Israir, Arkia and Air Haifa, only a limited number of international airlines have resumed operations on the route.
Indian Community in Israel Faces Travel Challenges
The continued suspension of Air India flights has created difficulties for more than 40,000 Indians living in Israel.
Many are seeking to travel to India for family visits, professional commitments or personal reasons, while others wish to temporarily leave the region amid ongoing uncertainty.
Limited flight options have also led to significantly higher travel costs, creating financial pressure particularly for Indian workers concerned about losing a large portion of their savings on expensive airfares.
Inputs from agencies
