Air India Cuts International Flights Amid Soaring Jet Fuel Prices And Airspace Restrictions

Air India on Wednesday announced to cut international flight operations on several routes while temporarily suspending operations on some overseas routes

The airline has said that the decision was taken due to airspace curbs and rising prices of jet fuel, and the adjustments will be made between June and August 2026.

In a statement, the airline said, "We are making temporary adjustments to select international services between June and August 2026, necessitated by continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices for international operations."

1,200 flights to remain operational per month

Air India said that over 1,200 international flights will still remain operational every month.

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This includes 33 flights per week to North America, 47 flights per week to Europe, 57 flights per week to the UK, 08 flights per week to Australia, 158 flights per week to the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, and 07 flights per week to Mauritius (Africa).

"Despite these changes, Air India will continue to operate over 1,200 international flights every month, maintaining a strong global network across five continents," Air India stated.

Air India advisory for affected passengers

For customers affected by the announcement, the airline said it would offer re-accommodation on alternative flights, free schedule change or full refunds.

"Air India will proactively assist customers with bookings affected by the cancellations through this period with re-accommodation on alternative feasible Air India flights, free date change or full refunds, as applicable," the statement read.

Fake report of complete international operation cancellation

The statement came after certain reports claimed that the airline cancelled all of its international flights due to a shortage of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).

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The airline rejected the reports, calling them malicious and fabricated. "Malicious and fabricated claims circulating on certain platforms alleging that Air India has cancelled all international flights are completely false and baseless."

The airline advised the passengers to rely only on official Air India channels to get accurate information.