businessline was the first to report on the airline’s plans to temporarily suspend all flights to certain destinations such as Chicago
Tata Group-backed Air India has temporarily suspended flights on six international routes and reduced frequencies across several overseas routes between June and August 2026 amid elevated Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices.
Notably, businessline was the first to report that Air India was planning to temporarily suspend flights to some key long-haul international destinations such as Chicago after discussions between airlines and oil marketing companies on international ATF pricing relief failed to yield any material outcome.
Besides high jet fuel prices, prolonged airspace restrictions along with geopolitical disruptions have impacted the airline’s international operations.
Suspended Routes
On Wednesday, Air India said the latest adjustments are aimed at improving network stability and minimising last-minute inconvenience to passengers during the peak travel season.
As part of the revised international schedule, Air India has suspended flights on six overseas routes through August.
These include Delhi–Chicago, Delhi–Shanghai, Chennai–Singapore, Mumbai–Dhaka, Delhi–Malé, and Mumbai–New York (JFK) services.
Furthermore, Delhi–Newark services will remain temporarily suspended during the period.
Despite these reductions, the airline said it will continue operating more than 1,200 international flights every month across five continents.
Functional Routes
This includes 33 weekly flights to North America, 47 weekly services to Europe, 57 weekly flights to the United Kingdom, eight weekly services to Australia, 158 weekly flights across the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, as well as seven weekly services to Mauritius.
Meanwhile, Delhi–San Francisco services have been reduced from 10 weekly flights to seven weekly flights through August.
Similarly, Delhi–Toronto operations have been reduced from 10 weekly flights to five weekly flights through July before returning to daily operations from August.
Services between Delhi and Vancouver have also been reduced from seven weekly flights to five weekly flights.
As per the airline, Mumbai–Newark operations will increase from three weekly services to daily flights.
However, Delhi–New York (JFK) will continue operating as a daily service.
Europe and Australia
In Europe, Air India has reduced frequencies on several routes, including Delhi–Paris, where services have been reduced from 14 weekly flights to seven weekly flights.
Delhi–Copenhagen operations have also been reduced from four weekly flights to three weekly flights.
Accordingly, Delhi–Milan, Delhi–Vienna, Delhi–Zurich, and Delhi–Rome services have each been reduced by one weekly flight.
In Australia, both Delhi–Melbourne and Delhi–Sydney operations have been reduced from seven weekly services to four weekly services.
Frequency Drop
Additionally, Air India has undertaken significant frequency reductions across Southeast Asian and neighbouring markets.
Delhi–Singapore services have been reduced from 24 weekly flights to 14 weekly flights, while Mumbai–Singapore frequencies have been reduced from 14 weekly services to seven weekly services.
Likewise, Delhi–Bangkok flights will be reduced from 28 weekly services to 21 weekly services from July, while Mumbai–Bangkok operations will decline from 13 weekly services to seven weekly services.
Delhi–Kuala Lumpur services have been reduced from 10 weekly flights to five weekly flights.
In addition, Delhi–Ho Chi Minh City services will reduce from seven weekly flights to four weekly flights during July and August, while Delhi–Hanoi operations will decline from five weekly services to four weekly services during the same period.
SAARC Region
In the SAARC region, Delhi–Kathmandu services will reduce from 42 weekly flights to 28 weekly flights in June and further to 21 weekly services during July and August.
Delhi–Dhaka operations have been reduced from seven weekly services to four weekly services, while Mumbai–Colombo flights will decline from seven weekly services to four weekly services.
Also, Delhi–Colombo services have been reduced from 14 weekly flights to 12 weekly flights.
The airline said passengers affected by the suspensions and frequency cuts will be assisted with alternative flight arrangements, complimentary date changes, or full refunds, wherever applicable.
Air India added that it continues to work with regulators, airport authorities, and industry stakeholders to restore full operational capacity as conditions improve.
Credits: Air India
