Rajeev Sharma :- Tata Airlines Air India has announced reduction in international flights till July amid souring jet fuel prices and airspace restriction following Middle East crisis.
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said that surge in jet fuel prices have made many routes unprofitable.
In a message to staff, Wilson said the airline had already cut back some international services during April and May due to operational challenges caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
“We have reduced some flying for April and May,” Wilson said, adding that the “massive rise in jet fuel prices”, combined with airspace closures and the need for longer flight paths, had significantly increased operating costs.
Airspace restrictions in view of West Asia crisis pushed airlines including Air India to avoid certain routes and take longer detours for international flights. The diversions have led to higher fuel consumption and increased operational expenses on long-haul routes.
Wilson said the situation remained “extremely challenging” and left the airline with little option but to further trim schedules for June and July as well.
“We very much regret the disruption to our customers’ plans and our crew’s rosters, and hope that the Middle East situation settles — and the Strait of Hormuz opens — soon so that we can get back to a more normal state,” he said.
Air India has been among the worst-hit airline by the ongoing geopolitical tensions because several of its Europe and North America-bound flights rely on air corridors passing through or near West Asia.
