Air India cuts Delhi-Dhaka flights, suspends Mumbai-Dhaka route

Dhaka: Air India has reduced the frequency of its Delhi-Dhaka service and temporarily suspended flights between Mumbai and Dhaka, citing soaring jet fuel prices, the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, and airspace restrictions across key regions.

The airline said Delhi-Dhaka flights will be reduced from 7 to 4 weekly, while the Mumbai-Dhaka route will remain suspended through August. The adjustments are part of a broader network rationalization affecting 29 international routes between June and August 2026.

In a statement, Air India said the changes were made in response to continued airspace restrictions and record-high jet fuel prices for international operations, which significantly impact the commercial viability of certain planned services.

The Middle Eastern conflict has sharply increased global oil prices and disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes. Airlines globally have been grappling with soaring operating costs as aviation turbine fuel prices surge.

Air India has already reduced around 90 daily flights in May and is now undertaking another round of cuts as part of broader cost-control measures. The airline is estimated to have incurred losses exceeding INR 22,000 crore, equivalent to USD 2.4 billion, in the last financial year.

Beyond the Dhaka routes, the Indian national carrier is also suspending its Delhi-Chicago, Delhi-Newark, Delhi-Shanghai, and Delhi-Malé services, among others. Meanwhile, several routes to Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia will see reduced frequencies.

Despite the cuts, Air India noted it would continue operating more than 1,200 international flights every month across five continents, maintaining services to North America, Europe, the UK, Australia, the Far East, and SAARC regions.

The airline said it would proactively assist affected passengers with rebooking options, free date changes, or full refunds.

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