Air India cuts some international routes as fuel prices bite

MUMBAI, May 13: Air India said Wednesday it would reduce or cut several international routes over jet fuel price hikes and airspace restrictions due to conflict.

The Iran war since late February and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz have sent aviation turbine fuel prices soaring, raising concerns over carrier profitability and leading to a rise in airline fares.

Air India did not give the total number of flights affected, but said it would suspend routes to Chicago, Shanghai, Male and Singapore from certain Indian cities including New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai between June and August.

The airline added that it would also cut the frequency of flights to San Francisco, Paris, Milan and Sydney.

Several factors have "significantly" impacted the commercial viability of some flights, the airline said in a statement.

"Despite the challenges and beyond these adjustments, Air India will continue to operate more than 1,200 international flights every month."

The Middle East war has proven to be the latest in a series of setbacks for the Indian carrier, whose chief executive resigned in April. 

Since taking over Air India in 2022, the Tata conglomerate has embarked on an ambitious overhaul, ordering hundreds of aircraft and upgrading its ageing fleet.    �"AFP