Air India cuts short-haul operation to ‘strengthen stability’
June 23, 2025
Air India has confirmed a fresh wave of temporary schedule adjustments across its narrowbody network, reducing service on more than 20 routes until at least 15 July 2025.
The decision, which follows earlier reductions to the carrier’s long-haul operations, reflects what the airline calls a proactive step to maintain network stability and limit disruptions for passengers.
As part of the latest update, three routes have been fully suspended, while frequency will be trimmed on 19 others.
5% of Air India short-haul flights affected
The airline says the changes amount to less than 5% of its narrowbody operations.
“These reductions are aimed at strengthening Air India’s network-wide operational stability and minimising last-minute inconvenience to passengers,” the carrier said in a statement.
Despite the cuts, Air India will still operate nearly 600 daily services using its narrowbody fleet across 120 domestic and short-haul international routes.
The following routes have been suspended until at least mid-July:
- Bengaluru to Singapore (AI2392/2393), previously operated daily
- Pune to Singapore (AI2111/2110), also a daily service
- Mumbai to Bagdogra (AI551/552), seven times weekly
Reductions in frequency have been implemented on key trunk and regional routes, including:
- Delhi to Mumbai: 176 down to 165 weekly
- Mumbai to Kolkata: 42 down to 30
- Bengaluru to Chandigarh: 14 down to 7
- Mumbai to Varanasi: 12 down to 7
Affected passengers are being contacted directly and offered alternative arrangements.
“Air India apologises to the passengers affected by these curtailments and is proactively contacting affected passengers to offer re-accommodation on alternative flights, complimentary rescheduling or full refunds as per their preference,” the carrier said in a statement.
The airline says it remains committed to restoring full service as soon as conditions allow.
Cuts to Air India’s long-haul operation
It follows a temporary scale-back of long-haul operations using its Boeing 787 and 777 fleets.
The carrier cited the need for precautionary safety inspections in the wake of the 787-8 crash near Ahmedabad and ongoing airspace constraints over parts of Europe and the Middle East for the 15% reduction in services.
The revised flying programme took effect on 21 June 2025 and is also expected to remain in place until at least 15 July 2025.
