Air India to restore most international flights from September 1

New Delhi: Air India will restore most of its international services from September 1 and add additional frequencies on several long-haul routes, the airline announced on Thursday. The move marks a return to its pre-cut schedule after months of reductions.

The Tata Group carrier had cut nearly 27% of its global routes, amounting to 145 weekly flights, in response to soaring fuel costs triggered by the conflict in West Asia earlier this year.

In an internal note to employees, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said fuel prices, while still higher than pre-conflict levels, have moderated from their initial peak and remain volatile. “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 on the airline’s internal portal.

The restoration of services and added frequencies are expected to strengthen Air India’s international network ahead of the busy winter travel season.