The devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12th, 2025, sent shockwaves across the nation. Of the 242 passengers aboard the Air India flight, 241 perished, making it one of the worst air disasters in recent years.
Air India Operations: Following the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel in West Asia and the recent major air crash in India, Air India has made a significant decision regarding its international and domestic flight operations. The company has announced a substantial reduction in its weekly flights, impacting thousands of passengers traveling both domestically and internationally. This decision has been made considering safety, operational concerns, and the prevailing geopolitical situation.
Impact of Iran-Israel Tensions on the Aviation Industry
The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East is affecting the global travel and logistics sector. The situation has been further complicated by US involvement following Israeli missile strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Tehran. This directly impacts flights from India to West Asia and Southeast Asia.
Air India has announced that it will temporarily reduce operations on 19 routes, out of its 118 weekly narrow-body aircraft flights. Furthermore, operations on three major routes — Bengaluru-Singapore, Pune-Singapore, and Mumbai-Bagdogra — have been completely suspended until July 15, 2025.
Recent Crash Raises Concerns
The catastrophic plane crash at Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, raised serious questions about Air India's safety procedures and operational practices. The loss of 241 out of 242 passengers constitutes the deadliest air accident in India's aviation history. Following this tragedy, the pressure on Air India to ensure passenger safety has intensified.
In response, the company has initiated a thorough safety review of all its operations and stated that it will only operate flights where operational reliability and passenger safety are not compromised.
Details of Flight Reductions
According to Air India's official statement, a 5% reduction has been implemented in narrow-body aircraft operations. These aircraft are primarily used on domestic and nearby international routes. The company clarifies that this measure is temporary and will be in effect until July 15, 2025, after which a reassessment will be conducted.
The three routes where flights have been completely suspended are:
- Bengaluru to Singapore
- Pune to Singapore
- Mumbai to Bagdogra
Additionally, the number of flights on high-demand routes like Delhi-Bengaluru and Delhi-Mumbai has been reduced, although operations on these routes have not been completely halted.
Impact on International Flights
Air India recently announced a reduction of up to 15% in its wide-body aircraft (such as Boeing 777 and Dreamliners) operations. These flights primarily serve Europe, America, Canada, and the Gulf countries. This decision was made in light of the Middle East tensions and the increased risks associated with long-haul flights.
Potential Inconvenience for Passengers
The reduction in the number of flights may cause booking difficulties for passengers, especially on routes with limited alternatives. Air India has urged its passengers to check availability and status on its website or helpline before planning their travel. Assistance with flight rerouting, full refunds, or alternative dates is being provided to affected passengers.
Prioritizing Operational Stability
An Air India spokesperson stated that the company's goal is to maintain stable and reliable operations. Given the current circumstances, including threats to flight routes in the Middle East and the pressure to restore confidence following the recent accident, prioritizing operational stability and safety has become paramount.
Future Outlook
Further reductions in flight numbers are possible if the situation in West Asia deteriorates. A significant escalation of military action by the US and other Western countries could necessitate a complete review of the global aviation network. Air India has indicated that it is continuously monitoring the situation and will make adjustments as needed.
