Air travel across India may become slightly more difficult in the coming months as the country’s two largest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, plan to temporarily reduce several domestic flight services from June 1, 2026.
The flight cuts are expected to continue for nearly 90 days and could affect passengers travelling on major routes, including flights linked to Ahmedabad.
The main reason behind the decision is the sharp increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. Ongoing tensions in West Asia and changes in the international market have pushed fuel costs significantly higher in recent weeks. Reports suggest that ATF prices in some Indian cities have crossed ₹1 lakh per kilolitre, increasing financial pressure on airlines.
Another factor behind the reduction is the seasonal fall in passenger demand after the summer vacation period. Airlines usually see fewer travellers during this time and often reduce flight frequency to control operational costs instead of completely suspending routes.
Several important routes from airports in Mumbai and Delhi are likely to be affected. Flights from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Patna, and Bhopal may operate less frequently. Similarly, routes from Delhi to Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are also expected to see fewer flights. Some connecting routes in South India may also face temporary reductions.
Industry experts believe air ticket prices could rise further in the coming weeks if fuel costs continue to increase. For now, airlines are focusing on reducing operating expenses while maintaining services on key routes.