Air India to cut wide-body international flights by 15% till mid-July amid disruptions due to safety inspections, airspace closures

By | June 19, 2025
Air India wide-body jet grounded during flight cuts

Air India has decided to reduce its international wide-body flight operations by 15% until mid-July 2025. This move comes after disruptions caused by ongoing safety inspections and growing airspace restrictions. The airline aims to prioritize safety and stabilize services after a recent fatal crash.

Tragedy Triggers Urgent Inspections

The decision follows the crash of Flight AI171 on June 12, which killed 241 people. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was flying from Ahmedabad to London. After the incident, India’s aviation regulator, DGCA, ordered urgent safety inspections across Air India’s wide-body fleet.

Out of 33 Dreamliners, 26 have passed inspections. Several Boeing 777s are also under review. These inspections involve structural checks and system diagnostics. While critical for safety, they have taken several aircraft out of service.

Airspace Curbs Add More Pressure

Air India also faces new challenges in the sky. Due to rising tensions in West Asia, several key air corridors are now restricted. The airline must reroute many long-haul flights, increasing flight time and fuel costs. In addition, night curfews at airports in Europe and Asia reduce scheduling options.

Over 80 international flights have already been cancelled in just six days. These overlapping issues have forced the airline to scale back its long-haul schedule.

Passenger Assistance and Policy Changes

Passengers booked on affected flights are being notified in advance. Air India is offering full refunds and free rebooking options. Travelers can also choose alternative routes if available.

The airline has set up special customer support teams. These teams help travelers with cancellations, rebookings, and updated travel plans. Air India has stated that no cancellation or change fees will apply during this disruption.

Management Stands by the Decision

Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran addressed the issue publicly. He called the flight cuts “a painful but necessary step.” According to him, safety must come first. He added that the airline is reviewing its maintenance and inspection protocols.

Air India plans to work closely with Indian and global regulators to enhance safety procedures. The company wants to rebuild trust with both passengers and regulators.

Industry Reaction and Analysis

Experts believe Air India made a smart move by reducing services temporarily. Aviation consultant Avinash Kaul said, “This helps the airline protect its brand and focus on safe operations.” He added that short-term disruption is better than long-term damage.

The aviation sector is already dealing with challenges. Rising fuel costs, post-pandemic recovery issues, and political tensions make it harder to maintain stable operations. Air India’s response shows it is ready to tackle these challenges head-on.

Flight Cuts and Timeline

The 15% cut began on June 20 and will likely continue through mid-July. Routes most affected include those to Europe, North America, and East Asia. These destinations rely heavily on wide-body aircraft.

Air India is preparing to release a revised flight schedule. The new schedule will help passengers plan better and reduce last-minute confusion. The airline expects full services to resume once inspections are complete and airspace conditions improve.

What Travelers Should Do

Here are a few quick tips for affected passengers:

  • Check Flight Status: Use Air India’s website or mobile app to stay updated.
  • Act Early: Rebook as soon as possible if your flight is cancelled.
  • Request Refunds: Full refunds are available with no penalty.
  • Ask for Alternatives: In some cases, Air India may reroute passengers via other hubs or partner airlines.

Looking Forward

Air India’s decision highlights the importance of proactive crisis management. The airline is choosing safety and transparency over short-term gains. If this approach continues, it could help the carrier build a stronger global reputation.

With the Tata Group’s leadership, Air India has already begun its transformation. This episode may slow progress for a few weeks, but it also shows the company’s readiness to face adversity. By mid-July, the airline hopes to return to a full international schedule—stronger and more reliable than before.