A week after Ahmedabad crash, Air India slashes international flights using wide-body planes by 15%

Air India will reduce its international services operated by wide-body aircraft by 15 per cent over the next few weeks, the company announced on Wednesday, June 18. The significant move is a part of a broader effort to stabilise operations and prioritise safety in the wake of the recent Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad.

Making the announcement, the airline cited several overlapping issues, including mandatory safety inspections, regional night-time airspace curfews, persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a cautious approach from its engineering and flight crews.

The temporary cutback will take effect immediately and will continue for at least through mid-July.

Credit: X | @airindia

Air India cancelled 83 international flights over the last 6 days

According to the statement issued by the airline on June 18, 2025, this decision has been taken to ensure that there is stability in their operations; the airline can boost their efficiency and minimise the inconvenience to the passengers.

Air India to reduce international services
on widebody aircraft by 15%
Move to ensure stability of operations, better efficiency and minimise inconvenience to passengers

Air India remains in mourning on the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew members aboard flight AI171. Our¡­

¡ª Air India (@airindia) June 18, 2025

Notably, over the last 6 days, the airline has cancelled 83 international flights due to the compounded operational constraints. On the other hand, passengers who were impacted by the reduced flight schedule will be offered alternative travel arrangements, such as complimentary rebooking or a full refund.

The updated international flight timetable, set to take effect on 20 June 2025, will be announced soon.

Air India aims to focus on safety

With the decision, Air India plans to prioritise safety and inspections. The airline reported that 26 of its 33 Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft have successfully undergone enhanced safety checks required by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in response to the recent crash.

Additionally, Air India has also extended similar checks to its Boeing 777 fleet as a precaution. ¡°We continue to work closely with DGCA, AAIB and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure the highest safety standards for our passengers, crew and aircraft,¡± the airline said.

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