New Delhi : Air India is set to restore most of the flight services it had temporarily reduced during July and August, with operations expected to return from September 1. The decision marks a return to normal operations after the carrier scaled back both domestic and international services in response to a sharp rise in fuel prices. The temporary reductions were introduced to manage higher operating costs during the peak travel season.
Passengers can expect improved connectivity across the airline’s network. In addition to restoring the suspended flights, Air India plans to expand its international operations by adding more flights to Milan, Frankfurt, Zurich, Vienna, Melbourne, Tokyo and New York during the winter schedule. In May, the airline announced plans to cut nearly 100 international flights between June and August, reducing its international capacity by as much as 27%.
With approximately 3,600 domestic flights operating every week, the reduction translated to more than 790 weekly services at the higher end of the estimate. At the time, Air India said the temporary schedule adjustments were necessary due to the sustained impact of elevated fuel prices on its operations. The airline also stated that it would continue to monitor demand and operating conditions before gradually restoring services.
Passengers affected by the cancellations were offered alternative flight options, complimentary date changes or full refunds, depending on their booking and travel circumstances. With most of the curtailed services now scheduled to resume from September 1, Air India is expected to significantly improve flight availability and strengthen connectivity across its domestic and international network ahead of the busy winter travel season.
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