Monday, June 23, 2025
Air India has recently announced a temporary reduction in flight frequencies on its Delhi-Kolkata and Mumbai-Kolkata routes, with these changes set to remain in place until at least July 15, 2025. This decision is part of the airline’s broader strategy to optimize its network and adjust operations to better align with shifting passenger demand and operational capacity.
Starting immediately, Air India will decrease its weekly flights on the Delhi-Kolkata route from 70 to 63, and reduce the Mumbai-Kolkata route frequency from 42 to 30. This temporary change is expected to impact travelers who frequently use these routes for their commuting or business needs.
These adjustments are part of a broader operational plan aimed at optimizing resource distribution across Air India’s network. In addition to reducing the frequency of domestic flights, the airline has made temporary reductions to its widebody international services. The overall cut to its narrowbody network will remain under 5%. Furthermore, Air India will temporarily halt operations on three routes and decrease services on 19 others, including those connecting Kolkata.
Despite these reductions, Air India continues to operate a significant portion of its domestic and international network. The airline confirmed that it will still maintain a robust schedule, operating nearly 600 daily flights with narrowbody aircraft on 120 domestic and short-haul international routes. These efforts highlight the airline’s commitment to minimizing disruption and ensuring that its passengers continue to have access to a wide range of travel options.
Air India has made it clear that these changes are temporary and driven by an effort to optimize flight operations based on current demand. The airline also emphasized that it remains dedicated to providing reliable and efficient services across its entire network, with minimal impact on its passengers.
For those affected by the flight reductions, Air India has assured that it will offer flexible options to assist with travel plans. Passengers who are impacted will be contacted directly by the airline, which will provide options for re-accommodation on alternative flights, complimentary rescheduling, or full refunds based on passenger preferences. This proactive customer service approach is designed to ease the inconvenience caused by these temporary flight cuts.
The decision to adjust flight frequencies reflects Air India’s broader strategy of adapting to changing market conditions. The airline continues to closely monitor passenger demand and network performance, allowing it to make agile decisions and maintain operational flexibility. While the adjustments may cause some disruption for travelers on the affected routes, Air India remains committed to maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction throughout the transition period.
In addition to the adjustments on the Delhi-Kolkata and Mumbai-Kolkata routes, the airline has made similar changes across its network, particularly for international flights. These changes come as part of a larger initiative to optimize fleet usage and balance capacity during fluctuating demand periods. Air India’s ongoing investment in fleet modernization and network expansion is expected to provide travelers with more options and improved services in the future.
Although these temporary cuts in flight frequency will last until mid-July, Air India is confident that these adjustments will allow the airline to continue offering competitive and efficient services. The airline’s focus on improving operational efficiency, coupled with its commitment to customer care, ensures that passengers traveling on Air India will experience a seamless and hassle-free journey, regardless of the changes.
Ultimately, while the reduction in flight frequencies on these key domestic routes may cause some inconvenience in the short term, Air India remains steadfast in its commitment to providing reliable and high-quality services across its network. By focusing on long-term sustainability and the efficient use of its resources, the airline is positioning itself to continue its growth and maintain its reputation as a leading carrier in both domestic and international aviation markets.
For affected passengers, the airline’s commitment to flexibility, re-accommodation, and full refunds underscores its dedication to customer service. As the airline navigates these adjustments, it remains focused on ensuring that all travelers can still access the travel services they require, without compromising on service quality.
