Rising fuel costs and Middle East tensions force capacity reduction from March 29
Indian airlines will operate nearly 3,000 fewer flights per week in the upcoming summer schedule starting March 29, compared to last year. Airlines have reduced capacity due to rising operating costs and uncertainty linked to the West Asia crisis. People aware of the development said carriers have become cautious as fuel prices and foreign exchange expenses continue to rise. The government has not issued an official statement on the flight cuts so far.
Weekly flight count likely to drop to 22,600
Indian airlines operated 25,610 weekly flights in last year’s summer schedule. The number had increased from 24,275 flights in 2024. This summer, airlines may run only around 22,600 weekly flights, a decline of nearly 12%. Industry sources said airlines want to avoid excess capacity if geopolitical tensions weaken passenger demand.
IndiGo warns of sharp cost escalation
IndiGo said it plans to start its domestic summer schedule with nearly 2,000 daily flights in April. The airline added that its international operations may change depending on the Middle East situation. IndiGo also flagged a major rise in operating costs. It said fuel and forex-related expenses may increase substantially in the coming months.
Airlines may raise fares as demand uncertainty grows
Airline executives said carriers may increase ticket prices from April. They may also cancel or merge flights if load factors fall. Industry officials said many leisure travellers may delay trips due to the West Asia crisis. Meanwhile, the civil aviation ministry has removed temporary fare caps imposed in December. However, it warned airlines against excessive pricing and said it may reintroduce controls if needed.
Rising fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty force airlines to scale back capacity from March 29
Indian airlines are set to operate nearly 3,000 fewer flights per week in the upcoming summer schedule starting March 29, compared to last year, as carriers cut capacity amid rising costs and uncertainty linked to the West Asia crisis. People familiar with the development said airlines expect the total weekly flights to fall sharply as fuel prices and foreign exchange pressures hit operations. Government officials have not issued any formal statement so far on the reduction.
Weekly flights may drop to 22,600 from last year’s 25,610
During the summer schedule last year, Indian airlines operated around 25,610 weekly flights, up from 24,275 in 2024. This year, airlines are expected to run nearly 22,600 flights a week, marking a drop of around 12%. Industry sources said airlines have begun scaling down capacity as operating costs rise, particularly aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and forex-linked expenses, while also preparing for weaker travel demand if the crisis continues.
IndiGo flags sharp rise in fuel and forex-related costs
In a statement, IndiGo said it plans to begin its domestic summer schedule with nearly 2,000 daily flights in April. However, the airline added that its international schedule could vary depending on the evolving situation in the Middle East. IndiGo also warned of a “material escalation” in operating costs, stating that fuel and forex-related expenses are expected to increase substantially in an already challenging cost environment.
Airlines may raise fares and ground aircraft if costs rise further
Industry executives said airlines may increase ticket prices from April to manage rising expenses. Some carriers may also cancel or merge flights if demand weakens and load factors fall. An industry official said passengers, especially leisure travellers, may delay travel plans due to uncertainty caused by the West Asia conflict. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has withdrawn temporary domestic fare caps introduced in December, but warned that airlines could face renewed controls if they resort to excessive pricing.
