AI 171 Crash: Air India Reduces International Flights by 15 per cent

Air India has announced a temporary 15 per cent reduction in its international widebody flight operations, effective immediately and continuing until at least mid-July 2025. The airline cited ongoing enhanced safety inspections, regional airspace restrictions, and other operational challenges as reasons for the move.

The decision follows directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which initiated enhanced safety inspections across Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 fleet. Of the 33 aircraft in this segment, 26 have already passed inspection and been cleared for service. The remaining aircraft are expected to complete checks in the coming days. Air India has also extended precautionary checks to its Boeing 777 fleet.

Additionally, the airline noted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, night airspace curfews in parts of Europe and East Asia, and a heightened cautious approach from engineering teams and pilots have contributed to operational delays. These factors led to the cancellation of 83 international flights over the past six days.

To ensure greater stability and avoid last-minute disruptions, the airline will reduce its widebody international flight schedule by 15 per cent. This measure is intended to create reserve aircraft capacity and improve service reliability during this period.

Passengers booked on affected flights will be informed in advance and offered flexible rebooking options at no additional cost, or a full refund. A revised international flight schedule, effective June 20 2025, will be announced shortly.

Air India stated that the temporary cuts are necessary to maintain operational continuity while prioritising passenger safety and service standards.