– Air India to Cut Domestic Flights by 22 Percent
New Delhi, May 27 (H.S.): Amid the West Asia crisis and growing challenges in the aviation sector, airline companies Air India and IndiGo have decided to reduce their flight operations. The country’s two major carriers will cut their operational capacity from June 1 onward. The reductions will remain in effect for the next three months, potentially causing inconvenience to air passengers.
Official sources said on Wednesday that Tata Group-led airline Air India has decided to reduce its domestic flight operations by up to 22 percent due to rising operational costs caused by high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The loss-making airline has also reduced its international flight operations by nearly 27 percent.
In a statement, the company said that along with previously announced changes in select international services between June and August, the frequency of flights on certain domestic routes has also been temporarily reduced. According to Air India, the decision has been taken in view of the continued pressure on operations due to persistently high fuel prices. The reduction in services will come into effect from June 1 and will remain applicable for the next 90 days, or approximately three months.
Air India stated that demand and operational conditions would continue to be reviewed regularly, and flight frequencies could be increased again once the situation normalises. The airline also said that passengers whose flights are affected will be offered accommodation on alternative flights, complimentary date-change facilities, or full ticket refunds.
Meanwhile, IndiGo is also planning to reduce its services by five to seven percent. The budget carrier’s decision is aimed at controlling operational costs and minimising losses. However, the move may create some inconvenience for passengers.
It is noteworthy that Air India currently operates around 4,400 flights every week, including nearly 3,600 domestic and 800 international services.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
