Air India Faces Flight Cancellations Amid Maintenance Challenges
Flight Cancellations Due to Maintenance Issues
New Delhi: Air India has announced the cancellation of at least eight flights across both domestic and international routes, attributing the disruptions to maintenance requirements.
In a statement, the airline explained, "Flights have been cancelled due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons," highlighting ongoing challenges following a tragic plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad.
Cancelled International Flights:
- AI906 — from Dubai to Chennai
- AI308 — from Delhi to Melbourne
- AI309 — from Melbourne to Delhi
- AI2204 — from Dubai to Hyderabad
Cancelled Domestic Flights:
- AI874 — from Pune to Delhi
- AI456 — from Ahmedabad to Delhi
- AI-2872 — from Hyderabad to Mumbai
- AI571 — from Chennai to Mumbai
The airline has initiated procedures for full refunds for cancelled tickets and is offering complimentary rescheduling options for affected passengers.
"We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our passengers. Our ground staff is working to arrange alternative travel options for them as quickly as possible," the statement added.
Passengers are encouraged to verify their flight status prior to arriving at the airport.
Additionally, the airline warned that ongoing enhanced aircraft checks, airspace restrictions, and adverse weather conditions may lead to further disruptions, which will be communicated to passengers as needed.
Following the tragic crash that resulted in the loss of 241 lives, including 33 on the ground, Air India has faced numerous flight cancellations and has grounded several aircraft due to reported technical issues.
The airline also revealed plans to reduce its wide-body international flight schedule by about 15% starting Friday, a measure that will remain in effect until mid-July to allow for thorough inspections.
"These reductions are part of our decision to voluntarily implement enhanced pre-flight safety checks and to accommodate longer flight durations due to airspace closures in the Middle East. Our goal is to restore schedule stability and minimize last-minute disruptions for our passengers," the airline stated.