Air India has offered to operate 275 additional flights this December to offset the government-mandated 10% capacity cut imposed on IndiGo. The Tata Group airline has also urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to provide a long-term plan, enabling it to align resources and avoid passenger disruption during peak travel season.
The Ministry ordered IndiGo to reduce its winter schedule after operational disruptions, cutting about 1,900 routes by 10%. To prevent passenger inconvenience, some routes are being reallocated to Air India, AI Express, Akasa, and SpiceJet. Air India’s proposal reflects both immediate relief and its intent to strengthen market presence while ensuring smoother travel for holiday-season flyers.
Notable updates
• Air India offers 275 extra flights in December to balance IndiGo’s 10% capacity cut
• IndiGo’s daily domestic flights reduced from ~2,145 to ~1,930 following ministry directive
• Routes to be redistributed among Air India, AI Express, Akasa, and SpiceJet
• Air India seeks clarity on duration of restrictions to plan long-term capacity
• Government aims to check single-airline dominance and protect passengers during peak season
Major takeaway
Air India’s move highlights both its readiness to support immediate demand and its push for strategic clarity, signaling a reshaped competitive landscape in India’s aviation sector.
Sources: Times of India, Economic Times, NewsBytes, INVC