en.Wedoany.com Reported - Due to rising aviation fuel costs and persistently weak travel demand, Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express have decided to significantly reduce domestic flights starting June 1. Previously, these three airlines had already cut some international flights. According to Indian media reports, the flight reduction is expected to last until August, coinciding with the peak summer travel season. The decrease in flights may further push up ticket prices and cause inconvenience for travelers.
According to plans announced by each company, Air India will reduce its domestic flights by about 22%, its subsidiary Air India Express by nearly 10%, and IndiGo by approximately 5% to 7%. Combined, the three airlines will cut around 250 flights per day. Routes connecting major cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru are expected to be significantly affected. For example, the Mumbai-New Delhi route, one of India's busiest domestic air corridors, will see a notable decline in daily seat availability after the cuts.
Aviation fuel costs account for about 30% to 40% of Indian airlines' total operating expenses. Over the past few months, fluctuations in international oil prices and changes in the Indian rupee's exchange rate against the US dollar have jointly driven up fuel import costs. Meanwhile, domestic travel demand has experienced a seasonal decline after the traditional peak season, with load factors on some routes falling below airlines' breakeven points. Multiple airlines have stated that this round of flight adjustments is a temporary measure, and they will dynamically adjust capacity deployment based on fuel price trends and market demand changes. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has not yet made public comments on this large-scale flight reduction.
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