Air India Suspends 7 International Routes, Cuts Overseas Flights Amid Fuel Price Surge, Airspace Restrictions

India’s flagship carrier Air India has announced a temporary suspension of seven international routes and a sharp reduction in flight frequencies across several overseas sectors between June and August 2026, citing rising operational pressure due to global airspace restrictions and record-high jet fuel prices.

The move marks one of the airline’s biggest international network rationalisation exercises in recent years and is expected to impact passengers travelling to North America, Europe, Australia and parts of Asia during the peak travel season.

According to the airline, routes being temporarily suspended include Delhi–Chicago, Delhi–Newark, Mumbai–New York (JFK), Delhi–Shanghai, Chennai–Singapore, Mumbai–Dhaka and Delhi–Malé. The airline said the decision was taken to improve operational stability and reduce last-minute disruptions for passengers amid mounting global aviation costs and logistical challenges. 

Air India has also reduced flight frequencies on several major international sectors. Flights between Delhi and San Francisco will now operate seven times a week instead of ten, while Delhi–Toronto services have been reduced from ten weekly flights to five till July before returning to daily operations in August. Delhi–Vancouver flights have also been cut from seven to five weekly services. 

In a notable shift, the airline has increased Mumbai–Newark flights from three weekly services to seven per week even as Delhi–Newark and Mumbai–New York (JFK) remain suspended.

Europe-bound passengers will also see fewer options. Flights from Delhi to Paris have been reduced from 14 weekly services to seven, while routes to Copenhagen, Milan, Vienna, Zurich and Rome are also witnessing scaled-down operations. Australia routes are similarly affected, with Delhi–Melbourne and Delhi–Sydney flights reduced from daily operations to four flights a week.

The impact extends across Asia and neighbouring countries as well. Delhi–Singapore flights have been reduced from 24 weekly services to 14, while Mumbai–Singapore flights have been halved. Services to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Kathmandu, Dhaka and Colombo have also been cut back.

Despite the temporary reductions, Air India said it will continue operating over 1,200 international flights every month across five continents. The airline stated that passengers affected by cancellations would be offered alternate flights, free date changes or full refunds. Customer support teams and digital assistance channels have also been kept active round the clock.

The airline, now owned by the Tata Group, also hinted that more changes could follow if the “extraordinary operating environment” continues over the coming months.