Air India Flights Cancelled: Air India has announced that it is going to cut down its international operations of large aircraft by 15 per cent, which will be effective from now till mid-July.
The Tata Group-owned airline is facing difficulties due to increased security checks, closure of Iranian airspace and other operational problems. After the crash of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, strict security checks have been started on B787-8/9 aircraft, causing disruption in international flights. This situation may cause trouble to passengers, which efforts are being made to reduce.
Security checks to be enhanced for Boeing 777 aircraft
The airline has apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers affected by the temporary curtailment of overseas flights. In addition, the airline will increase security checks for Boeing 777 aircraft as an additional precaution. Air India has recently faced operational disruptions, with at least 83 of its international flights cancelled in the last six days. In a statement issued late in the evening, Air India said that geopolitical tensions in West Asia, night curfews in the airspace of many countries in Europe and East Asia have caused disruptions and security checks are being increased.
Decision to cut flight services by 15 percent
The statement said that necessary precautions are being taken by the engineering staff and pilots of Air India. According to the statement, “In view of the complex situation faced by Air India, to ensure stability of our operations, better efficiency and to reduce inconvenience to passengers, Air India has decided to reduce the flight services of large aircraft internationally by 15 percent for the next few weeks.”
Detailed information about the number of flights affected is not yet available
Detailed information on the number of flights affected was not immediately known. The airline was scheduled to operate 90 flights with widebody aircraft on June 12. Air India operates three widebody aircraft – Boeing 787-8/9, Boeing 777 and A350. According to the airline, the cuts will be implemented “now and June 20” and will continue thereafter “at least till mid-July”.
The airline apologized to the affected passengers
Apologising to the passengers affected by the cuts, the airline said it would inform them in advance and try its best to accommodate them on alternative flights. Passengers will be given the option to reschedule their travel at no cost or with a full refund. Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft flying from Ahmedabad to Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing a total of 270 people, including 241 on board. One person on board the plane survived.
