Air India to cut international flights over increasing fuel cost, airspace restrictions
PTC News Desk: Air India has suspended and reduced flights on several international routes as rising jet fuel prices and airspace restrictions continue to push up airline operating costs.
According to the report, the Tata-owned airline has made major cuts to its international network for three months starting in June.
The airline has completely suspended flights from Delhi to destinations such as Chicago, Newark, Singapore and Shanghai. It has also reduced the number of flights to major cities including San Francisco, Paris and Toronto.
A senior airline official quoted in the report said, “We are not recovering even the operating cost on most flights. A sustained increase will force us to cut more.”
Overall, nearly 100 daily flights have reportedly been removed from the airline’s schedule.
The decision comes amid a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, average global jet fuel prices increased to $162.89 per barrel for the week ending May 8, 2026, compared to $99.40 per barrel at the end of February.
Fuel is one of the biggest costs for airlines and can make up almost 40 per cent of total operating expenses. Rising fuel prices directly impact airline profits and often force airlines to either raise ticket prices or reduce services.
Last week Air India CEO Campbell Wilson reportedly told employees that the airline would continue reducing flights to certain international destinations due to higher fuel prices and airspace restrictions.
- With inputs from agencies
