Air India Cancels 2,500 West Asia Flights, Cuts Schedule to 30% Amid Iran Conflict

Air India has cancelled about 2,500 flights to West Asia in the last three weeks as the ongoing Iran conflict continues to disrupt regional airspace. The airline is currently operating only around 30% of its usual schedule to the Middle East, according to CEO Campbell Wilson.

In an internal note to staff, Wilson said the situation has significantly affected operations, forcing the airline to reduce flights due to airspace closures and safety concerns.

Why So Many Flights Were Cancelled

The Middle East is a major hub for global aviation, connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and North America. With tensions in the region rising, several flight routes have become difficult or unsafe to operate.

Air India says many airports and air corridors are either closed or considered too risky, leading to large-scale cancellations across its West Asia network.

Over the past three weeks alone, about 2,500 flights to the region have been scrapped. That is a major drop compared to normal operations, especially given how heavily airlines rely on Middle East routes for connecting traffic.

Longer Routes to Europe, UK and North America

The disruption is not limited to Middle East flights. Air India is also taking longer routes to destinations such as the UK, Europe and North America to avoid sensitive airspace.

Longer routes mean higher fuel consumption and increased travel time. Airlines worldwide are dealing with similar challenges as they adjust flight paths to maintain safety.

These extended routes come on top of earlier adjustments made last year following the Pahalgam incident, which had already pushed airlines to reroute certain flights.

Fuel Prices Surge, Ticket Costs Rise

The conflict is also affecting airline costs. According to the airline’s leadership, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in recent weeks.

To manage rising expenses, Air India has introduced a fuel surcharge on new tickets. However, the airline is also cautious about increasing fares too much, as higher ticket prices could reduce travel demand.

Airlines typically try to balance operational costs with passenger demand, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.

Changing Travel Demand Across Regions

While some markets are seeing weaker bookings, the airline has noticed new demand on certain long-haul routes, particularly to Europe and North America.

Air India is adjusting its network where possible, adding flights in markets showing stronger demand while reducing services in affected regions.

Some global airlines are cutting capacity due to high fuel costs, but others are shifting aircraft to routes where passenger demand remains stable.

Safety Remains the Top Priority

The airline says safety continues to guide all operational decisions. Teams are constantly monitoring the situation and adjusting schedules as conditions change.

Staff working in affected Middle East locations are dealing with ongoing uncertainty, and the airline has acknowledged the challenges faced by employees managing these disruptions.

With airspace restrictions still in place, flight schedules may continue to change depending on how the regional situation develops.

For travellers, this means it is wise to check flight status regularly and allow extra time for journeys that may take longer than usual.