NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
New York, New York, July 15, 2025: Following a month-long “Safety Pause” prompted by the tragic June 12 AI171 accident, Air India has begun the gradual restoration of its international flight schedules. The airline had scaled back operations in July to conduct additional safety checks on its Boeing 787 fleet and to manage longer flying times due to airspace closures over Pakistan and the Middle East.
Air India announced that while full operations will resume by October 1, a partial restoration will begin August 1. However, most of the airline’s North America routes remain reduced through September.
North America Operations: Reduced Frequencies Continue
Several popular routes between India and major North American cities will continue to see fewer flights through the end of September. These include:
- Delhi-Washington (Dulles): 3 flights weekly (down from 5)
- Delhi-Chicago: 3 weekly flights, with a slight increase to 4 in August (down from 7)
- Delhi-San Francisco: 7 flights weekly (down from 10)
- Delhi-Toronto: 7 flights weekly (down from 13)
- Delhi-Vancouver: 4 flights weekly (down from 7)
- Delhi-New York (JFK): Reduced to 6 weekly flights starting July 16 (from 7)
- Mumbai-New York (JFK): Will operate 6 weekly flights from August 1 (down from 7)
- Delhi-Newark (EWR): Reduced to 4 flights weekly starting July 16 (from 5)
Air India emphasized that it is actively reaching out to affected passengers, offering rebooking options or full refunds. “We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the understanding of our customers during this transitional phase,” the airline said in a statement.
Overall International Network: Gradual Rebuild
Across its global network, Air India will operate over 525 international flights per week across 63 routes during this transition period. Some key reinstatements include:
- Delhi-London Heathrow: Fully restored to 24 flights a week
- Delhi-Zurich and Delhi-Tokyo (Haneda): Added frequencies
- Delhi-Seoul (Incheon): Will return to full 5x weekly service from September 1
- New Ahmedabad-London Heathrow route: Launches August 1, replacing current Gatwick flights
Meanwhile, temporary suspensions continue for select routes, including Amritsar-London Gatwick and Pune-Singapore, until at least September 30.
Looking Ahead
Air India aims to return to full pre-pause operations by October 1, 2025, subject to safety and operational reviews. The airline reassures customers of its ongoing commitment to safety, reliability, and transparent communication during this phased recovery.
For travelers to and from North America, that means a continued wait for full restoration—but with a clearer timeline in sight.
Cover photo courtesy: Air India website
