Air India to cut 100 daily flights amid fuel surge: Which routes will be hit

Air India is preparing to trim nearly 100 flights a day as soaring aviation fuel prices begin to weigh heavily on its operations, raising questions over which key routes will face disruption.

As per reports, the Tata Group-owned airline, which currently runs around 1,100 daily services, is expected to reduce capacity by close to 10%, affecting both domestic and international networks. However, the deepest impact is likely to be felt on long-haul routes where fuel consumption is significantly higher.

Flights connecting major Indian hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai with global destinations including London, Paris, New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Sydney and Melbourne are expected to see reduced frequency. Even high-demand sectors like Singapore may witness cuts, signalling a shift from expansion to profitability-driven operations.

The move comes as aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have surged sharply in recent weeks, reportedly rising by nearly 80%, pushing up operational costs for airlines. Fuel alone accounts for up to 40% of total expenses, making airlines highly vulnerable to price volatility.
Industry challenges have been compounded by geopolitical tensions, which have forced airlines to take longer routes due to airspace restrictions. These detours, particularly on Europe and North America sectors, increase fuel burn and further strain margins.

Air India’s decision reflects a broader trend in the global aviation sector, where carriers are scaling back operations, optimising routes and reassessing capacity to manage rising costs.
Industry bodies have also flagged concerns, warning that more cuts could follow if fuel prices remain elevated and policy relief is not extended, especially for international operations.

For travellers, the immediate fallout could be fewer flight options and higher fares, particularly on long-haul international routes where reductions are concentrated.