Air India is considering reversing some international schedule reductions after calmer conditions in the Middle East made more airspace available and eased fuel cost pressure on long-haul operations.
The potential move was outlined in an internal memo from Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson, reviewed by NDTV on June 28, 2026. The airline had reduced services on selected international routes for the June-August period after airspace restrictions over parts of the Middle East forced longer routings, particularly on flights to Europe and North America. Elevated international jet fuel prices put additional pressure on the economics of several long-haul routes.
Air India said the temporary schedule adjustments were intended to maintain network stability and minimize last minute disruption for passengers. Despite the reductions, the carrier continued to operate more than 1,200 international flights per month across five continents.
The airline’s CEO said the operating environment has since improved, with more airspace becoming available and fuel prices moderating. If the trend continues, Air India may be able to reverse some of the schedule reductions introduced in recent months. The airline has not identified which routes or frequencies could be restored.
Wilson also highlighted improved operational performance in June. Air India recorded an overall on-time performance of 86%, while domestic on-time performance reached a record 90%. He attributed the improvement partly to the temporary schedule, but also to better aircraft reliability, operational systems, and procedures.
