Air India to restore all international flights from Sept 1, add frequencies

Air India has announced that it will restore all suspended international services from September 1, 2026, and add frequencies on several long-haul routes. The move marks a full reversal of capacity cuts that had reduced the airline's global operations by nearly 27% earlier this year.

In an internal message to employees, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said fuel prices, though still higher than pre-conflict levels, have moderated from their initial peak. "Though fuel prices remain higher than before the Middle East conflict and remain volatile, they have moderated from their initial peak, so as well as the restorations we will be adding additional frequencies," Wilson wrote.

The airline had suspended 145 weekly international flights between June and August 2026. The affected routes spanned North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, SAARC nations, and the Far East. Services on several major sectors were temporarily withdrawn, including Delhi–Chicago, Delhi–Newark, and Mumbai–New York. Flights to Paris, Copenhagen, Milan, Vienna, Zurich, Rome, and certain London services were also scaled back.

In Asia, 82 weekly flights were stopped to destinations such as Kathmandu, Dhaka, Colombo, Bangkok, Shanghai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City. The airline cited high fuel costs and market conditions for the cuts, which were part of a broader cost-control exercise.

Starting September 1, all these suspended services will resume. Additionally, for the winter schedule beginning in late October, Air India will increase frequencies to Milan, Frankfurt, Zurich, Vienna, Melbourne, Tokyo, and New York. The airline will also launch a new seasonal Mumbai–Toronto service, adding to its North American network.

The restoration comes at a time of shifting competitive dynamics in the India–Europe market. IndiGo, which had expanded into long-haul operations recently, is set to suspend its wide-body flights to Europe from October 25. After discontinuing services to Copenhagen, IndiGo will also end wide-body operations to London and Manchester. On the Amsterdam–Mumbai route, it will replace its wide-body aircraft with the narrower Airbus A321XLR, a move that reduces seat capacity while maintaining a direct link.

Industry observers note that Air India's return to a fuller schedule could provide passengers with more choices and potentially moderate airfares, especially on popular international routes. However, the sustainability of the restored services will depend on fuel price trends and global travel demand in the coming months.

Air India, which is undergoing a large-scale transformation under its new ownership, has been gradually modernising its fleet and network. The restoration of services is seen as a step toward regaining its position as a leading international carrier from India. The airline has also been investing in upgrading its product and customer experience as part of a long-term growth plan.

Passengers holding tickets on previously suspended flights will be re-accommodated, and the airline has advised customers to check its website for updated schedules. The full winter schedule is expected to be published in the coming weeks.