Indian airlines to cut dozens of international flights amid rising fuel costs

The Indian aviation sector faces significant headwinds as soaring jet fuel prices, driven by the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, compel major airlines to drastically cut international flights. Air India has warned that current prices make many routes "unviable," leading to the cancellation of dozens of daily flights, especially those connecting India to Europe and North America. This decision, as reported by EFE and cited by local sources, reflects the severe financial strain on carriers. IndiGo, India's largest airline, is implementing a substantial 17% reduction in its international capacity for May compared to February levels. Global aviation consultancy OAG identifies IndiGo as the sixth most impacted airline worldwide and the most affected among those not based in the Gulf region. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for approximately 80% of Asia's oil consumption, not only inflates crude oil prices but also forces airlines onto longer, more costly flight paths to avoid conflict zones. Both Air India and IndiGo have already introduced fuel surcharges, adding to the burden on passengers, with domestic surcharges averaging around $8 and international ones exceeding $200. This situation poses a considerable challenge for India's connectivity and economic growth, highlighting the vulnerability of the aviation industry to geopolitical instability and commodity price fluctuations.

“

The situation of airspace and the price of jet fuel remains extremely difficult, leaving us no choice but to further reduce schedules for June and July.