Grounded Ambitions? Air India’s Wings Trimmed Post Vistara Union

Air India’s Post-Merger Reality: Fewer Flights, Smaller Fleet, Slower Takeoff  
Air India, once poised for aggressive expansion following its merger with Vistara, has unexpectedly downsized. According to recent reports, the airline now operates 4,700 weekly flights—down from 5,600 a year ago. Its fleet has shrunk from 208 aircraft to 180, and its destination count has dropped from 90 to 82.

The merger was part of Tata Group’s Vihaan.AI plan to capture 30% market share in five years. However, challenges such as aircraft delivery delays, airspace restrictions, and internal restructuring have hindered progress. While the airline continues to focus on customer experience and cultural integration, its operational footprint has contracted.

Key highlights  

• Air India now operates 16% fewer flights than pre-merger levels  
• Fleet size reduced from 208 to 180 aircraft  
• Destinations served dropped from 90 to 82  
• Vihaan.AI plan aimed for 30% market share within five years  
• Operational setbacks include airspace closures and aircraft delivery delays  

Sources: Livemint, The Hindu BusinessLine, New Indian Express, Economic Times, Moneycontrol, ScanX News