Air India announced temporary disruptions to some of its international operations between June and August due to escalating fuel costs and growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The Indian airline stated that rising operational expenses and airspace restrictions have seriously affected flight planning and scheduling.

Under the new measures, the company is expected to scale back several long-haul operations.

According to reports in the Indian media, some flights on the Delhi-Shanghai and Delhi-Chicago routes will be temporarily suspended.

The airline also plans to reduce flight frequencies on several other international destinations as part of broader cost optimization efforts.

Reports indicate that the company is particularly revising routes with high fuel consumption.

Analysts say the decision is driven by two major factors.

Rising global energy prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have sharply increased aviation fuel costs.

In addition, the closure or growing risk level of certain airspaces has forced aircraft to use longer alternative routes.

The situation has directly increased fuel consumption, flight durations, maintenance expenses and personnel costs.

The Federation of Indian Airlines has called on the central government for urgent support.

The federation urged authorities to reduce the tax burden on aviation fuel and warned that the sector’s operational sustainability could face serious risks if current cost pressures continue.

The developments reflect growing pressure on the global aviation industry as airlines struggle with rising fuel prices and regional instability affecting international air routes.(ILKHA)