Air India Cuts Narrowbody Flights by 5% Following Widebody Reductions

New Delhi – In a strategic move to enhance operational stability, Air India has announced a 5% reduction in its narrowbody flight services, following a previous 15% cut in widebody international operations. The adjustments, which take effect immediately and will be in place until July 15, are intended to minimize last-minute disruptions for travelers and streamline the airline's operational framework.

In an official statement, Air India emphasized that the decision to suspend three routes—Bengaluru to Singapore, Pune to Singapore, and Mumbai to Bagdogra—was made to consolidate its service offerings during a challenging operational period. Each of these routes previously operated seven times a week and will now be paused until mid-July. Additionally, frequencies on 19 other routes have been trimmed, affecting high-traffic corridors including Delhi to Mumbai, which will decrease from 176 to 165 weekly flights, and Mumbai to Kolkata, which will drop from 42 to 30 flights per week.

"This initiative is part of our broader strategy to strengthen network-wide operational stability and improve on-time performance, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience for our passengers," said Vinod Kannan, CEO of Air India. The airline has been actively reaching out to affected passengers, offering options for alternative bookings, complimentary rescheduling, or full refunds, reflecting its commitment to customer service during these adjustments.

Despite these reductions, Air India maintains a robust operational schedule, with nearly 600 daily flights covering 120 routes across its domestic and short-haul international networks. The airline has stated its intention to restore full operations as soon as feasible, prioritizing passenger safety and satisfaction.

The cuts come amidst a backdrop of challenges facing the aviation industry in India, where airlines are grappling with fluctuating demand and operational pressures. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Indian aviation market is expected to recover steadily, but airlines must adapt to evolving market conditions to sustain profitability and service quality.

Experts like Dr. Anjali Gupta, an aviation analyst at the Indian Institute of Management, underscore the significance of such strategic adjustments. "Airlines must be agile in their operations, especially in a post-pandemic environment where passenger preferences and travel patterns have shifted considerably," she noted in her analysis published in the Journal of Aviation Management in April 2025.

With these operational changes, Air India aims to navigate the complexities of the current aviation landscape while preparing for a more stable and profitable future. As the airline industry continues to recover, the focus remains on enhancing service reliability and maintaining customer trust in the face of ongoing challenges.