Air India has significantly reduced its operational capacity in West Asia due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Over the past three weeks, the airline has canceled around 2,500 flights to the region, which is now functioning at approximately 30% of its normal schedule, according to chief executive Campbell Wilson.
The disruptions are largely attributable to the Iran conflict, which has led to airport closures and airspace restrictions, resulting in highly volatile scheduling and rerouting of flights to other international destinations such as the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. These rerouted flights consume more fuel and have extended travel times, increasing operational costs.
Wilson noted that jet fuel prices have more than doubled, prompting the airline to impose fuel surcharges on new tickets to mitigate financial impact. Despite adverse conditions, Air India is observing some demand in markets like Europe and North America, where it is also adding flights. The airline emphasizes safety as its primary concern, particularly for staff operating in the affected Middle East region. The CEO urged staff to control costs and maintain high service standards as they adapt to the ongoing situation, which underscores how regional conflicts can substantially influence airline operations and financial performance.
