Now Reading: Air India to restore most international flights from September
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Air India to restore most international flights from September
Air India will restore most international services suspended in July and August from September 1, 2026, and add frequencies on several long-haul routes in the winter season, according to an internal memo…
The Story in Brief
Air India will restore most international services suspended in July and August from September 1, 2026, and add frequencies on several long-haul routes in the winter season, according to an internal memo from CEO Campbell Wilson accessed by Times Now. The airline had cut 145 weekly flights to North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, SAARC and the Far East after fuel prices spiked due to the Middle East conflict.
Wilson told employees that fuel prices, though still volatile, have moderated enough to allow the restoration. New or increased services include Milan, Frankfurt, Zurich, Vienna, Melbourne, Tokyo, New York and a seasonal Mumbai, Toronto route. Separately, the Times of India reports that Air India has also raised pilot salaries by 8-15%, with commanders now earning up to Rs 8.3 lakh for 55 flying hours a month.
The Indian Opinion
Air India's restoration of curtailed flights and new winter frequencies to Milan, Tokyo and Toronto is welcome, but the bigger picture is fuel volatility and a looming pilot crunch. The Tatas have merged the Vistara and Air India networks, yet the airline still guarantees only 40 flying hours against IndiGo's 70. Pakistan's continued airspace closure adds fuel and crew costs on every long-haul route. The real test: can Air India reliably operate these restored services when crude prices rise again, or are we watching another pendulum swing?
Sources (3): thehindu.com, timesnownews.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
