Air India Restores its International Flights Post 787 Checks

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

The airline is set to partially restore flight frequencies starting from August 1, 2025, with a complete operational resumption aimed for October 1, 2025. This decision stems from recent Boeing 787 inspections and persistent geopolitical airspace limitations in the Middle East and Pakistan.

Air India Partially Restores Flights

The airline has commenced the restoration process for flights that were temporarily reduced during the June–July “Safety Pause.”

This precautionary action, initiated after the tragic AI171 incident, permitted thorough checks on Boeing 787 aircraft while accommodating operational adjustments due to restricted airspace in conflict-affected areas.

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

A significant adjustment involves 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 24x weekly service restored from July 16
• Delhi–Zurich (ZRH): Increased from 4x to 5x weekly starting August 1

Asia (Far East)

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

Africa

• Delhi–Nairobi (NBO): Temporarily restored 3x weekly service until August 31

Ongoing Reductions and Frequency Adjustments

Air India will sustain reduced frequencies on certain routes through September 30 due to operational constraints and fleet availability. Important adjustments include:

Europe

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

North America

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

Australia

• Delhi–Melbourne (MEL) & Delhi–Sydney (SYD): Continue at 5x weekly

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 facilitate scheduling adjustments, aircraft checks, and compliance with airspace restrictions.

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 expressed regret for the disruptions and reaffirmed its commitment to safety and reliability.

Starting in August, Air India will operate over 525 international weekly flights to 63 destinations globally. The complete network is anticipated to be back on track by October 2025, unless faced with additional operational or geopolitical hindrances.

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