Fewer Flights, Higher Fares from June 1! Air India and IndiGo to Cut Domestic Flights..

If you are planning to travel by air in the coming days, you should book your tickets soon. India's two largest airlines—Air India and IndiGo—are set to significantly reduce the number of their domestic flights for the next three months, starting June 1st. With fewer flights operating on domestic routes, airfares are likely to rise. Airlines have already hiked ticket prices following an increase in the cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Consequently, a decline in demand for domestic air travel is currently being observed due to these high ticket prices.

Air India is poised to make substantial cuts to its flight operations. The airline plans to reduce its domestic flight capacity by approximately 15 percent. Meanwhile, the country's largest airline, IndiGo, is also expected to cut its domestic services by 5 to 7 percent. The primary reasons cited for these reductions are the anticipated drop in travel demand following the end of school holidays, coupled with skyrocketing operational costs.

**Fewer Flights Operating Since March-April**

According to data from the aviation analytics firm Cirium, this trend of flight reductions has already begun. In March and April of this year, India's four largest airlines operated approximately 6% fewer flights compared to the same period last year. During this period, IndiGo reduced its flights by 4.5%, while Air India cut its operations by 7.5%. Air India Express saw an even steeper decline, operating 17.1% fewer flights.

**The Aviation Industry in Crisis**

The true culprit behind the rising costs and limited availability of air travel is global geopolitical tension. Conflicts in the Middle East have created significant challenges for Indian airlines. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have triggered a massive surge in the prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Furthermore, international flights are now compelled to take longer, circuitous routes to avoid Iranian airspace. The closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft has further exacerbated operational costs.

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