An IndiGo airlines passenger aircraft taxis on the tarmac at Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport in Mumbai, India, May 29, 2023. Photo by Reuters
IndiGo has cut around 7 to 10% of its planned domestic flights for the period, while Air India has cut 22%, the sources said.
This marks a significant pullback by the two carriers that together control around 90% of India’s domestic air passenger market.
The sources declined to be named as they were not authorized to share the information.
The cuts could tighten seat availability on some domestic routes and keep fares elevated during the busy summer travel period, even as airlines try to avoid flying loss-making services.
The Iran war-driven surge in jet fuel prices has blindsided the aviation industry. Fuel can account for up to 40% of airlines’ operating expenses, forcing them to raise fares and cut unprofitable flights.
Air India said in a statement on May 27 that it had “temporarily rationalized operations on certain domestic routes” between June and August.
“These adjustments are driven by the sustained impact of high fuel prices on overall operations. Air India will continue to monitor demand and operating conditions closely, with a view to restoring frequencies as conditions stabilize,” a spokesperson for the airline added.
Passengers affected by the changes would be offered places on alternative flights, complimentary date changes or full refunds, the spokesperson added.
IndiGo did not immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment. The airline operates more than 2,200 daily flights, including international ones.
Air India’s cuts follow reductions to its international routes, which have created room for foreign airlines to add more flights to and from India.
IndiGo had cut some long-haul flights prior to the war, citing operational constraints and airport congestion.
The reductions also underscore the vulnerability of India’s fast-growing aviation market to external shocks, even as carriers are set to receive new jets in the coming years.
