Air India Restores its International Flights Post 787 Checks

DELHI– Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has announced a gradual reinstatement of several international routes following the “Safety Pause” initiated after the unfortunate AI171 incident on 12 June 2025.

The airline plans to partially restore services starting August 1, 2025, with the goal of achieving full operational resumption by October 1, 2025. This decision comes after thorough inspections of Boeing 787 aircraft and ongoing geopolitical restrictions affecting airspace in the Middle East and Pakistan.

Air India Partially Restores Flights

Air India has commenced the process of restoring flights that were temporarily reduced during the June–July “Safety Pause.”

This proactive measure, taken post the tragic AI171 incident, has allowed for comprehensive checks on the Boeing 787 fleet and modifications to operations due to limited airspace in areas of conflict.

Between August 1 and September 30, 2025, the airline will resume or modify frequencies on selected long-haul routes covering Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.

The most significant update includes a new route from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Heathrow (LHR), which will temporarily replace the existing Ahmedabad–London Gatwick (LGW) service.

Routes Being Reinstated or Increased

Europe

• Delhi–London Heathrow (LHR): Full 24 flights per week restored from July 16
• Delhi–Zurich (ZRH): Increased from 4 to 5 flights per week starting August 1

Asia (Far East)

• Delhi–Tokyo Haneda (HND): 7 flights per week reinstated from August 1
• Delhi–Seoul Incheon (ICN): Full 5 flights per week reinstated by September 1

Africa

• Delhi–Nairobi (NBO): Temporarily restored service at 3 flights per week until August 31

Ongoing Reductions and Frequency Adjustments

Air India will maintain reduced frequencies on specific routes until September 30 due to operational challenges and fleet availability. Notable adjustments include:

Europe

• Bengaluru–London Heathrow (LHR): Reduced to 4 flights per week from August 1
• Delhi–Paris (CDG): Cut from 12 to 7 flights per week beginning August 1
• Delhi–Milan (MXP): Reduced to 3 flights weekly from July 16
• Delhi–Amsterdam (AMS): Currently at 5 flights weekly, resuming daily from August 1
• Amritsar–Birmingham (BHX): Returns to 3 flights weekly from September 1

North America

• Delhi–Chicago (ORD): Reduced to 3 flights weekly, increasing to 4 in August
• Delhi–New York JFK (JFK): Reduced to 6 flights weekly from July 16
• Mumbai–New York JFK (JFK): Reduced to 6 flights weekly from August 1
• Delhi–Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and San Francisco (SFO): All operating at lower frequencies

Australia

• Delhi–Melbourne (MEL) & Delhi–Sydney (SYD): Maintaining at 5 flights per week

Temporarily Suspended Routes Until September 30

The following routes will remain suspended until the end of September 2025:

• Amritsar–London Gatwick (LGW)
• Goa (Mopa)–London Gatwick (LGW)
• Bengaluru–Singapore (SIN)
• Pune–Singapore (SIN)

These suspensions are necessary to accommodate scheduling modifications, aircraft checks, and airspace limitations.

Passenger Support and Operational Outlook

Air India is proactively reaching out to affected passengers to facilitate alternate bookings or provide full refunds. The airline has apologized for the inconveniences caused and reaffirmed its commitment to safety and reliability.

By August, Air India is set to operate over 525 international flights weekly across 63 destinations globally. The complete network is expected to resume by October 2025, barring any further operational or geopolitical challenges.

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