Air India has revised its international flight schedule. The updated schedule will be in effect from June 21 to July 15. This decision follows the airline’s move to cut services on wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 787s and 777s, by 15%.

Tragic Crash Sparks Action

On June 12, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college in Ahmedabad. The crash killed 241 people. Only one person survived.

As a result, Air India cancelled 83 international flights between June 12 and June 18. These flights were supposed to use Boeing 787 aircraft.

More Cancellations Coming

Furthermore, the airline said it would cancel more flights through June 20, with cuts continuing until at least mid-July.

In its statement, the airline explained, "ensuring stability of operations, improving efficiency, and minimising last-minute inconvenience to passengers" were the reasons for this move.

Routes Most Affected

According to the revised schedule, some routes will be suspended completely:

• Delhi–Nairobi

• Amritsar–London Gatwick

• Goa (Mopa)–London Gatwick

In addition, Air India will reduce flight frequency on many routes across North America, Europe, the Far East, and Australia.

Reasons Behind the Cuts

Air India listed several reasons for the reductions:

• It is conducting strict safety inspections.

• Engineers and pilots are taking a more cautious approach.

• Night curfews in Europe and East Asia limit flight timings.

• Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are increasing risks.

Air India Responds to Passenger Concerns

Meanwhile, Air India admitted the cancellations would affect travelers. The airline said it is already contacting affected passengers.

They will receive alternate flights, free rescheduling, or full refunds.

“Passengers will also be offered a choice to reschedule their travel without any cost or to be given a full refund, as per their choice,” the airline added.

Advisory for Middle East Flights

In addition, the airline issued a travel advisory for passengers flying to or through the Middle East. It cited increasing airspace instability as a concern.

Air India said the revised schedule would keep updating on airindia.com, the mobile app, and through its contact centres.

“This effectively adds to our reserve aircraft availability to take care of any unplanned disruptions,” the airline said.

Black Box Sent to US for Investigation

Finally, Indian authorities sent the black box from the crashed aircraft to the United States. Experts there will attempt to recover flight data from the damaged device to understand the crash.