Indian airlines are reducing their operations by approximately 10% in response to rising costs and uncertainty stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released the summer schedule, which shows a reduction in the number of weekly domestic flights from 25,610 to 23,049. This cut affects several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air.

The primary reason for the flight reduction is the impact of the Middle East crisis, which has severely disrupted international routes, especially those to the Gulf. The region accounts for nearly half of India’s international passenger traffic, and airlines are facing increased fuel costs and longer flight paths due to airspace restrictions. In fact, nearly 75% of flights to the Gulf have been cancelled since the escalation of the Iran war.

For passengers, this means fewer flight options, higher airfares, and more schedule volatility, particularly on international routes. Airlines are struggling to absorb the rising fuel and foreign exchange costs, and experts suggest that further cuts could be possible if the geopolitical situation worsens. As the summer travel season approaches, the full impact of the crisis on air travel will become more apparent.