Air India announced on Wednesday that it will temporarily reduce or suspend several domestic routes in response to escalating fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This follows earlier international service cuts that the airline implemented between June and August 2026.

The airline attributed these operational changes to the sustained impact of high jet fuel prices, which surged after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. This disruption has sent fuel costs sharply higher, threatening airline profitability and prompting fare increases.

While Air India did not specify which domestic routes or how many flights would be affected, reports from the Press Trust of India, citing industry sources, suggest that over 20% of the carrier’s domestic flights could be impacted. The carrier assured that affected passengers will be rebooked on alternative flights or offered full refunds.

In a statement, Air India said it would continue to closely monitor market demand and operational conditions, with the objective of restoring flight frequencies once the situation stabilizes.

The airline had previously announced in early May the suspension of several international routes between June and August, including services from major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai to destinations like Chicago, Shanghai, Male, and Singapore.