Air India will cut back on its international flights in June and July. A significant rise in aviation turbine fuel prices and ongoing airspace restrictions have made many routes unprofitable. This information comes from an internal message.
Air India cut international flights till July
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson informed staff that the airline must reduce its schedules in June and July due to increasing operational challenges. The airline has already decreased some flights in April and May because of the steep rise in jet fuel prices, along with airspace closures and longer flight paths.
This decision follows the urgent call from India’s airline industry for government help. The rise in jet fuel costs is putting pressure on operations and raising expenses. In a letter to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), which includes Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, warned that the sector is facing serious pressure from soaring aviation turbine fuel prices.
Fuel surge restricts flights
The increase in ATF prices, influenced by the broader effect of the Middle East war, along with unfavorable currency exchange rates and limited airspace, has heavily impacted Air India’s international operations. Many international routes have become unfeasible, leading the airline to reduce its services.
Aviation fuel generally represents about 30 to 40 % of airline costs. It has now grown to around 55 to 60 % of operating costs, according to the industry.
Airspace restrictions stemming from the West Asia conflict have forced Air India to take longer routes for various international destinations. This has resulted in higher fuel consumption and increased costs. Wilson described the situation as very challenging, leaving the airline with few options.
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