IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express cut 250 daily domestic flights amid rising fuel costs

India’s three biggest airlines, IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express, are cutting domestic flights from June, removing about 250 flights a day from their schedules. The airlines say the move is due to rising fuel costs and weaker travel demand.

The cuts are expected to continue through June, July and August, a period when many people travel for summer holidays. With airfares already increasing, passengers may have fewer flight options and could end up paying more, reported India Today.

Airlines trim capacity

Air India is making the biggest reduction, cutting nearly 22 per cent of its domestic operations in June and July. The airline operates around 500 domestic flights daily, so the reduction will mean about 110 fewer flights each day.

Also Read: Air India to cut international flights amid Rs 22,000 crore losses, rising jet fuel costs

IndiGo, which operates about 2,200 flights a day, is reducing domestic capacity by 5-7 per cent, resulting in roughly 110 fewer daily flights.

Air India Express is also reducing services, cutting close to 10 per cent of its domestic schedule.

Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru will be the most affected. Flights from these cities to destinations including Goa, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Nagpur will see fewer services. With fewer flights available, passengers may face crowded flights and less flexibility, especially during busy travel periods.

Fuel costs drive cuts

The main reason for the cuts is the sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. Domestic fuel costs have increased by about 25 per cent, while international fuel prices have risen even more because of tensions and conflict in West Asia.

Also Read: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet approach Centre, seek duty cut on ATF

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for airlines, and the higher costs have forced carriers to reduce capacity and adjust schedules.

Air India said the changes are temporary and stated, "Air India will continue to monitor demand and operating conditions closely."

IndiGo said softer demand after the peak summer travel season was also a factor behind its decision to reduce capacity.

Fares likely to rise

The flight cuts are likely to push ticket prices higher. Airfares on some routes have already risen by as much as 30 per cent, and airlines have added fuel surcharges of Rs 400 to Rs 450 per passenger.

With fewer seats available, fares could increase further, especially on busy routes linked to Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.

At the same time, some international flights to West Asia are being restored as airspace restrictions ease. Travellers planning domestic trips over the next few months may need to book early to secure seats and avoid higher fares.