Flight Alert: Around 250 Domestic Flights May Be Cancelled Daily from June; Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru Set to Face the Biggest Impact

Air India and IndiGo: IndiGo and Air India may cancel flights between June and August. This period typically coincides with the summer holidays, when people usually travel with their families.

Air India: The country's two largest airlines—IndiGo and Air India—are set to cancel approximately 250 of their domestic flights daily, starting in June. The primary reasons behind this move are the skyrocketing prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF—or jet fuel) and a decline in travel demand. This situation is placing significant operational pressure on the airlines.

These flight reductions are expected to continue from June through August—that is, throughout the summer months. Typically, demand for air travel tends to dip between June and August, following the conclusion of summer vacations in schools. Airlines are taking this step to balance the reduced demand against the increased expenditure on fuel. Consequently, if your flight happens to be cancelled during this period, you will be offered options such as a free date change, an alternative route, or a full refund.

Record Surge in Jet Fuel Prices

Amidst the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, along with ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the supply of crude oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted. As a result, jet fuel (ATF) prices in several Indian cities have surged, climbing from around ₹80,000 per kilolitre to cross the ₹100,000 per kilolitre mark. Consequently, fuel costs have risen by approximately 25% for domestic flights and by nearly 100% for international routes.

Which Airlines Are Reducing Flights, and by How Much?

Air India is reducing its domestic flight operations by approximately 22% during the months of June and July. The airline currently operates around 500 domestic flights daily; this reduction implies that there will be approximately 110 fewer flights per day—amounting to a reduction of roughly 800 flights per week. Similarly, IndiGo is also set to reduce its domestic flights by 5–7% and international flights by up to 17%. Combined, approximately 250 flights per day will remain cancelled between June and August.