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Indian airlines are set to operate nearly 3,000 fewer weekly flights this summer as rising fuel costs and uncertainty linked to the West Asia crisis force carriers to scale back capacity.
Indian airlines cut 3,000 weekly flights in summer schedule
New Delhi: Indian airlines are set to reduce operations by around 3,000 weekly flights in the upcoming summer schedule starting March 29. The move marks a notable decline compared to last year, when carriers operated over 25,000 weekly flights during the same period.
According to industry estimates, the number of weekly flights is expected to drop to nearly 22,600 this season, reflecting a reduction of about 12 per cent.
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The primary reason behind the capacity cut is the sharp increase in operating costs. Aviation turbine fuel prices and foreign exchange fluctuations have significantly raised expenses for airlines, making it challenging to maintain previous levels of operations.
Industry officials indicate that the cost environment remains volatile, forcing carriers to reassess their schedules and optimise routes.
Ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have added another layer of uncertainty. Airlines are concerned that prolonged instability in the region could affect passenger demand, particularly for international and leisure travel.
There is also a risk of operational disruptions, prompting airlines to adopt a cautious approach while planning schedules.
Carriers are closely watching booking trends and may adjust capacity further depending on demand patterns. If passenger numbers decline, airlines could consolidate flights or, in some cases, temporarily ground aircraft to manage costs efficiently.
Fare increases are also expected as airlines attempt to offset rising expenses, which could further influence travel demand.
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IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, has indicated that it will begin its domestic summer schedule with nearly 2,000 daily flights. However, its international operations will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on developments in the Middle East.
The airline has acknowledged that the current operating environment remains highly dynamic, requiring continuous recalibration of capacity.
With both cost pressures and geopolitical risks in play, the aviation sector is expected to remain cautious in the coming months. The final scale of operations will depend on how fuel prices, demand trends, and the regional situation evolve.
