Air India cuts 15% international widebody flights; to announce reschedules soon

Air India has announced that the airline will reduce its international services on widebody aircraft by 15% for the next few weeks. The cuts will be implemented between now and 20 June and will continue thereafter until at least mid-July.

The anouncement comes six days after the tragic Air India plane crash. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner of Air India has headed for London from Ahmedabad, but crashed within seconds of lift-off and fell on a medical college hostel.

Air India To Reduce International Flights | Full Statement

Air India remains in mourning on the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew members aboard flight AI171. Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and communities affected by the accident.

Precious lives of passengers, crew on board and those on the ground at the crash site, have been lost. At Air India, we consider the family members of the deceased as part of our larger family and stand in complete solidarity with all of them, in these difficult times.

In coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Gujarat, Air India is putting all possible efforts to support the family members of the deceased and the injured. Air India and Tata Group volunteers are deputed in Ahmedabad for coordination with family members for any assistance at the hospitals and for them to travel back to their respective homes with the mortal remains of the deceased.

We pray for the departed souls and convey our deepest condolences to the families.

Air India Proposes Changed Measures

Enhanced Measures

After the tragic Air India Plane crash in Ahmedabad, that killed 241 passengers and crew, a directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was issued.

An ‘Enhanced Safety Inspection’ was mandated across Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fleet. Out of a total of 33 aircraft, inspections have been completed on 26, all of which have been cleared for service, Air India confirmed.

“The remaining inspections are expected to be finalised in the coming days, providing reassurance about the safety measures and procedures followed by the airline.” Air India said in an official statement.

As an additional precaution, Air India has announced it will conduct enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 777 fleet. The airline emphasised its commitment to cooperating fully with authorities including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), DGCA, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to ensure the highest standards of safety for its passengers, crew, and aircraft.

Temporary Route Curtailment

Air India has announced a temporary reduction in its international widebody aircraft services by 15% over the coming weeks. This decision comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, night curfews imposed on airspaces across several countries in Europe and East Asia, and the airline’s ongoing enhanced safety inspections. Additionally, a cautious approach by engineering staff and pilots has contributed to operational disruptions, resulting in 83 cancellations over the past six days.

The reduction in services will be implemented between now and 20 June and is expected to continue until at least mid-July. Air India stated that this measure will help stabilise operations, improve efficiency, and minimise inconvenience to passengers. 

The airline also noted that the cuts will effectively increase the availability of reserve aircraft to manage any unforeseen disruptions.

Air India Flight Reschedule

Air India has apologised to passengers affected by these changes and assured that they will be informed in advance. The airline will make every effort to accommodate travellers on alternative flights. 

Passengers will also be offered the option to reschedule their travel free of charge or receive a full refund, according to their preference. The revised international flight schedule, effective from 20 June 2025, will be announced shortly.