New Delhi:
In a series of unexpected disruptions, Air India recently announced the cancellation of approximately 60 flights to and from the United States between now and the end of December 2024. The primary reasons cited are delays in returning widebody aircraft from maintenance and issues within the supply chain, which have temporarily reduced the airline’s operational fleet. This article explores the factors contributing to these cancellations, affected routes, and how passengers might respond to the changes.
Top Reasons behind the Cancelations
Aircraft Maintenance Delays
Air India is facing challenges in bringing back some of its widebody aircraft from maintenance, a process that can take months for aircraft needing substantial overhauls. The delay stems from “heavy maintenance” requirements, which typically involve extensive repairs and parts replacements, pushing some of Air India’s aircraft out of service for longer than anticipated.
Supply Chain Constrains
Alongside maintenance delays, supply chain issues have further exacerbated Air India’s difficulties. The aviation industry globally is grappling with supply chain bottlenecks that impact the availability of critical aircraft parts, adding to the time required for maintenance. This has resulted in unplanned groundings that have curtailed Air India’s ability to keep up with its usual operations.
Fleet Composition and Utilization Challenges
Air India’s widebody fleet comprises Airbus A350-900s, Boeing 777-200LRs, Boeing 777-300ERs, and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. However, at least ten of these aircraft are currently out of service—five B777-300ERs and five B787-8s—which has directly impacted the airline’s ability to cover routes, especially long-haul flights to the United States.
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Routes Impacted by the Cancelations
Delhi to Chicago (AI126) and Chicago to Delhi (AI127)
Affected Dates: November 15, 20, 22, 29; December 4, 6, 11
Delhi to Newark (AI105) and Newark to Delhi (AI106)
Affected Date: December 5
Delhi to San Francisco (AI173) and San Francisco to Delhi (AI173)
Affected Dates: November 15, 18, 26; December 2, 9, 13
Delhi to Washington Dulles (AI103) and Washington Dulles to Delhi (AI104)
Affected Dates: November 16, 19, 23, 26, 29; December 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
Mumbai to New York JFK (AI119) and New York JFK to Delhi (AI116)
Affected Dates: November 19; December 9
What Can the Affected Passengers Do?
Check Flight status Regularly
Passengers booked on Air India flights to the United States between now and the end of December are advised to check the status of their flights regularly through the airline’s website or app. Air India will likely notify passengers of any cancellations or changes, but checking in advance will help travelers prepare for potential disruptions.
Contact Air India for Assistance
Those impacted by cancellations should reach out to Air India customer support as soon as possible to explore rescheduling options or to process refunds.
