Air India, now owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is in the spotlight again — and not in a good way. After a deadly crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, the airline announced it would reduce its international flight schedule by 15%. Now, it’s cutting back on domestic flights too — by 5% until mid-July.
Why the Cut in Domestic Flights?
Air India’s domestic flights mainly use Airbus A320 aircraft, including those from its merger with Vistara. The airline hasn’t given an official reason for cutting domestic flights, but it seems to be a mix of the following:
- Ongoing safety checks and aircraft maintenance
- Recent flight delays and cancellations
- A temporary dip in passenger demand after the crash
Read more: Ticket Prices Drop Sharply on Key Routes After Air India Dreamliner Crash — Check Updated Fares
Which Routes Are Affected?
- Three routes are being completely stopped:
- Bengaluru – Singapore
- Pune – Singapore
- Mumbai – Bagdogra
- 19 other routes are seeing fewer flights, reducing a total of 120 flights per week.
This affects about 12% of Air India’s domestic network, according to aviation data firm Cirium.
Also See: Air India’s Heartfelt Apology: CEO Campbell Wilson Sends Deep Condolences to Victims’ Families
Impact on Airfare and Competitors
Although fewer flights could mean higher prices, that might not happen just yet. It’s currently the monsoon season, which is usually a slow period for air travel after summer holidays.
- IndiGo, the market leader, is in a strong position to grab some of Air India’s passengers.
- Akasa Air may also benefit from these route cuts.
- Air India Express, the airline’s budget wing, doesn’t operate much on the affected routes, so won’t play a big role here.
What’s Next?
Air India says this is a temporary move, and they aim to bring back the full schedule soon. But if delays and safety issues continue, they may have to push the timeline further — possibly making passengers hesitant to book with them.
The airline is going through a major five-year transformation plan called Vihaan.AI:
- They’ve already completed two phases — “Taxi” (fixing basics) and “Take-Off” (building excellence).
- Right now, they’re in the “Climb” phase, which focuses on growth.
But with so many recent cancellations and issues, Air India might need to revisit the basics again before moving ahead with expansion.
