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

The post Air India Takes Action as Aviation Fuel Prices Continue to Soar first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

On April 20, 2026, Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) issued an important Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that authorises foreign airlines to resume operations in a carefully phased manner.

This development represents the first major step toward restoring full international air access since the widespread closures began on February 28.

The QCAA reached this decision only after a safety and operational assessment in close coordination with various national partners. Officials examined every critical aspect of airport operations to ensure that services could resume both smoothly and efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of passenger protection.

Airport’s Initial Closure

On February 28, Qatar made the difficult decision to close its airspace in response to escalating regional tensions in the Middle East.

This action came in the wake of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by a subsequent ceasefire agreement that brought a measure of calm to the area.

Several other Gulf countries took similar precautionary steps during this period, which led to the cancellation of thousands of flights across the region.

Qatar Airways itself operated only limited routes after March 7, while most foreign carriers remained grounded until the recent announcement.

The sudden closures created considerable challenges for passengers, many of whom experienced lengthy delays, last-minute cancellations, and extended stays at airports while they waited for alternative arrangements.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience to travellers, the disruptions also affected tourism, business travel, and Qatar’s important position as a leading global aviation hub.

What the New NOTAM Changes

The resumption of services is being implemented gradually and under strict control to ensure stability. Not every airline will be able to restart flights immediately, as the QCAA has emphasised a step-by-step rollout. This requires each carrier to coordinate closely with authorities before adding services.

All operations will fully comply with internationally recognised aviation standards, with additional precautions in place to protect both passengers and crew members.

In its official statement, the authority reinforced that “the safety and security of all remain its top priority.”

Some routes are expected to return more quickly than others. While cargo and special repatriation flights have already been operating on a limited basis, the broader restart will allow the entire airport system to be tested progressively under real conditions.

Benefits for Travellers and Local Economy

Hamad International Airport, which consistently ranks among the world’s finest aviation hubs, is now poised to welcome back millions of transit passengers and restore its vital connecting role.

Business travellers will soon be able to schedule meetings with greater confidence, while tourists will find it much easier to visit Qatar and continue journeys throughout the region.

This gradual reopening also delivers important economic benefits by protecting thousands of jobs at the airport and among partner airlines.

Local businesses connected to tourism, hospitality, and logistics are expected to experience a welcome boost as activity increases. Many experts view the move as a strong signal of growing confidence in regional stability following the US-Iran ceasefire.

Looking Ahead

The QCAA has indicated it will continue to monitor the situation closely in the coming weeks, with any further expansions depending on how regional conditions evolve. In the meantime, the phased approach provides a safe framework for rebuilding operations without unnecessary risk.

Qatar’s careful and measured decision offers renewed hope after weeks of uncertainty. It demonstrates that, with proper planning and prioritisation of safety, even major disruptions to international air travel can be overcome successfully.

As more foreign airlines return in the coming days and weeks, Hamad International Airport will once again serve as a vital gateway connecting

Credits: Qatar Airlines

The post Qatar Gradually Reopens Hamad International Airport to Foreign Airlines first appeared on AircrewNews.com.