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Air India reduces international widebody aircraft operations by 15%
Travelers will be offered free rescheduling or full refunds, and efforts will be made to accommodate them on alternate flights.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 18, Jun 2025
- 14:27 EDT
- 19
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Air India /
Air India on June 18 announced a 15 percent reduction in its international operations using wide-body aircrafts. The temporary reduction is being implemented progressively through 20 June and will remain in effect until at least mid-July.
“To maintain operational resilience and reduce the risk of last-minute disruptions, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily reduce widebody international flying by 15 percent,” Air India said in a statement. “This effectively adds to our reserve aircraft availability to take care of any unplanned disruptions.”
Also Read: More than 200 Air India crash victims identified
The decision comes in the wake of the fatal crash of Flight AI171 and is driven by ongoing safety inspections, operational disruptions, and airspace restrictions across several regions. The airline said the cuts are necessary to ensure stability, enhance efficiency, and minimise last-minute inconveniences for passengers.
Air India to reduce international services
— Air India (@airindia) June 18, 2025
on widebody aircraft by 15%
Move to ensure stability of operations, better efficiency and minimise inconvenience to passengers
Air India remains in mourning on the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew members aboard flight AI171. Our…
The June 12 crash of Flight AI171, which resulted in the deaths of all 241 passengers and crew on board, as well as several individuals on the ground. Air India said it remains focused on supporting the victims’ families, working in close coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Gujarat.
In response to the crash, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ordered enhanced safety inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 fleet. Of the 33 Dreamliners, 26 have been cleared and returned to service. Inspections of the remaining aircraft are expected to conclude in the coming days. Additionally, precautionary checks are underway on the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet.
The airline has reported 83 international flight cancellations in the past six days, citing compounded challenges including engineering caution, pilot availability, and restricted airspace over parts of Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East amid geopolitical tensions.
Air India has apologized to affected passengers and assured that they will be informed in advance. Travelers will be offered free rescheduling or full refunds, and efforts will be made to accommodate them on alternate flights. The revised international flight schedule, effective from 20 June, is expected to be released soon.
“These curtailments are a painful but necessary measure following a devastating event and a confluence of external challenges,” the airline stated. “With the continued support of our passengers, regulators, and the people of India, we will rebound stronger and restore confidence in our services.”
An investigation into the AI171 crash is ongoing, led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with oversight from the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Air India reaffirmed that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority.
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