Air India Targets Full International Service Resumption by October
Air India is gradually reinstating its international flight operations after recent disruptions, with a phased restoration beginning August 1 and a full resumption aimed for October 1, 2025, according to CEO Campbell Wilson.
Operational Reset After Ahmedabad Crash
The airline had announced a 15% reduction in international services using widebody aircraft following the June 18 crash involving flight AI171 in Ahmedabad. In the days leading up to that decision, Air India cancelled 83 international flights due to operational challenges.
“This decision has been taken to ensure stability of our operations, improve efficiency, and minimise inconvenience to passengers,” the airline said at the time.
Wilson acknowledged that some recent disruptions may have affected the travel experience of customers and assured that the airline is focused on strengthening internal processes. “This measured approach ensures we complete every verification thoroughly and resume service with complete confidence,” he added.
Route Updates and Frequency Adjustments
Air India is adjusting frequencies on several key international routes as part of its restoration plan:
- Delhi–Zurich: Increased from four to five weekly flights starting August 1.
- Delhi–Tokyo Haneda: Daily flights resumed from August 1.
- Delhi–Seoul Incheon: To operate five times a week starting September 1.
- Delhi–London Heathrow: Returned to 24 weekly flights from July 16 — the full pre-crash level.
- Delhi–Amsterdam: Daily operations resume August 1.
- Ahmedabad–London: Reconfigured to three weekly flights to Heathrow instead of five to Gatwick.
- Amritsar–Birmingham: Continues at two flights a week until August 31, returning to three flights from September.
Meanwhile, curtailed frequencies will continue on several European routes from Delhi, including Paris, Milan, Copenhagen, Vienna, and Amsterdam (before August 1).
Focus on Stability and Safety
Air India’s leadership has reiterated that passenger safety and operational stability remain the top priorities. Passengers affected by earlier cancellations were offered rebooking options or full refunds.
This phased approach comes as Air India continues its transformation under the Tata Group, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and restoring trust in its international service standards.
