Air India Flight Reductions: 118 Weekly Flights Cut, 3 Routes Suspended Amid Safety Checks

In a significant development that underscores both operational recalibration and a renewed focus on safety, Air India on Sunday announced a temporary reduction of 118 weekly flights operated with narrow-body aircraft, along with the suspension of operations on three specific routes. This sweeping move follows the airline’s earlier decision to slash 15% of its wide-body international operations amid ongoing safety reviews in the wake of the AI171 tragedy.

The Air India flight reductions, described by the carrier as “temporary cuts of less than 5 per cent to its overall narrow-body network,” are set to remain in effect until at least July 15, 2025.

“This voluntary decision leads to the temporary suspension of Air India’s services on 3 routes and reduction of frequency on 19 routes,” the airline said in a formal statement. “These changes are aimed at bolstering network-wide operational stability and minimising last-minute inconvenience to passengers.”

Routes Affected:

Seven weekly flights on the following routes will be temporarily suspended:

• Bengaluru – Singapore

• Pune – Singapore

• Mumbai – Bagdogra (AI551/552)

In addition, several key domestic routes, including Delhi–Bengaluru and Delhi–Mumbai, will experience a decrease in flight frequency, reflecting a broader effort to streamline operations amid rising safety and maintenance demands.

A Wider Context of Air India: AI171 and the Aftermath

This announcement comes just days after Air India confirmed that 15% of its wide-body international flights would be pulled from schedules temporarily. The decision follows the tragic AI171 crash, where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in 241 fatalities, including over 30 on the ground. The accident is now regarded as the deadliest aviation disaster of the past decade.

In response, the airline initiated a comprehensive fleet-wide safety inspection. As of now, 26 out of 33 Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet have been cleared to return to service. The remaining Dreamliners, along with aircraft from the Boeing 777 fleet, are expected to undergo similar inspections in the coming days.

“The reduction in flights is being undertaken to ensure stability of operations, better efficiency and to uphold our deep commitment to passenger safety,” the airline emphasized.

Passenger Impact and Forward Outlook

Air India has assured passengers that these measures are designed to minimise disruptions and allow for better predictability in scheduling, as opposed to chaotic last-minute cancellations. Travel advisories and rescheduling options have been rolled out via email and the airline’s official website.

Despite the temporary inconvenience, industry experts suggest that such proactive decisions may enhance the airline’s reputation in the long term, especially as it seeks to rebuild trust following the AI171 catastrophe.

Strategic Recovery Amid Crisis

The Air India flight reductions are part of a broader Tata Group-led strategy to prioritise long-term safety, reliability, and passenger experience over short-term profits. While operational setbacks are inevitable during such transitions, analysts point out that the airline’s transparency and swift response could play a crucial role in shaping public perception moving forward.

The airline is expected to release further updates post-July 15 regarding the reinstatement of routes and restoration of full capacity, contingent upon the completion of all safety protocols.

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