Singapore Airlines-backed Air India will substantially cut international flights during the peak June to August travel period, as the Iran war-led airspace restrictions and record-high jet fuel prices weigh on the carrier's operational viability.
The Airline is cutting nearly 140 flights per week, which roughly translates to 27% of its total international flights, according to aviation sector experts.
"These changes are aimed at improving network stability and reducing last-minute inconvenience to passengers," Air India said in a statement on Wednesday. Air India, co-owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will fly fewer flights to North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
The company is India' second-largest airline, with 3.6 million seats and a 14% share of the market, according to aviation industry data provider OAG.
Indian carriers have been among the worst affected by the conflict in the Middle East, experts said, as they face closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. The country was already facing airspace usage curbs in Pakistan, as well as China, highlighted Sanjay Lazar, aviation expert and chief executive at Avialaz Consultants.
