Air India Reduces US Flights Amid Widebody Aircraft Shortage

Air India has recently announced the cancellation of approximately 60 flights to the United States scheduled between now and the end of the year. This adjustment is due to ongoing delays in the return of widebody aircraft from maintenance and additional supply chain disruptions. The move highlights the current strain on Air India’s operational fleet, as the airline faces challenges with heavy maintenance timelines and fleet availability, reported ch-aviation.com.

The airline’s statement addressed these cancellations directly: “Due to the delayed return of some aircraft from heavy maintenance and supply chain constraints resulting in a temporary reduction in operating fleet, Air India regrets that a small number of flights have been cancelled between now and end-December.” The specific routes affected mainly involve flights from Delhi to major US cities, including Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

List of Cancelled Air India Flights to the US

The disruptions have impacted several key routes, with cancellations on the following flights:

Delhi – Chicago (AI126) on November 15, 20, 22, 29, and December 4, 6, and 11
Chicago – Delhi (AI127) on the same dates as above
Delhi – Newark (AI105) on December 5, with the return Newark – Delhi (AI106) on the same day
Delhi – San Francisco (AI173) on November 15, 18, 26, and December 2, 9, and 13, and the return San Francisco – Delhi (AI174) on corresponding dates
Delhi – Washington Dulles (AI103) on dates throughout November and December, including November 16, 19, 23, 26, 29, and various dates in December
Washington Dulles – Delhi (AI104) on corresponding dates
Mumbai – New York JFK (AI119) on November 19 and December 9, with return flights on the same dates

Fleet Constraints and Supply Chain Issues

Air India’s widebody fleet, essential for these long-haul transcontinental flights, comprises various aircraft models, including six Airbus A350-900s, eight Boeing 777-200LRs, nineteen 777-300ERs, and twenty-seven 787-8s. However, recent records show that five 777-300ERs and five 787-8s are grounded due to maintenance or operational issues. These setbacks have compounded the airline’s limited availability of widebody aircraft, crucial for maintaining a consistent service schedule on long-haul routes like those to the United States.

The airline’s fleet issues are exacerbated by a backlog in scheduled maintenance and unexpected supply chain delays. While Air India is actively working to bring these grounded aircraft back into service, the timeline remains uncertain, leaving some flights temporarily suspended.

Future Fleet Expansion Plans

In a bid to address its operational limitations and support future growth, Air India has committed to an ambitious fleet expansion plan. Among the new additions, Air India has ordered a substantial number of widebody aircraft, including twenty A350-1000s, fourteen A350-900s, ten Boeing 777-9s, and twenty-seven Boeing 787-9s. These additions, once delivered, will significantly enhance Air India’s long-haul capabilities and reduce the airline’s dependence on its currently strained fleet.

Domestic Flight Adjustments

Besides the US-bound flights, Air India is also experiencing occasional cancellations and schedule adjustments on domestic routes. The airline cites “operational reasons” for these domestic disruptions, which further underline the broader challenges the carrier is navigating across its network.

Broader Impact on Passengers

For passengers, these cancellations have caused disruptions, especially for those with plans to travel between India and the US during the busy holiday season. Air India has assured affected passengers of alternative arrangements, offering options to reschedule or rebook flights as part of its commitment to minimizing the impact on travelers.

This ongoing situation highlights the need for a well-maintained fleet to sustain robust international service and underscores the importance of Air India’s forthcoming aircraft deliveries in stabilizing its long-haul network.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com

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