Air travel across India is likely to become slightly more challenging over the next few months as the country’s two largest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, are set to temporarily reduce several domestic flight services from June 1, 2026. The reduction is expected to continue for nearly 90 days and may impact passengers travelling on several busy routes, including flights linked to Ahmedabad.
The decision comes amid a sharp increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. Owing to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and fluctuations in the global oil market, aviation fuel costs have risen significantly in recent weeks. According to reports, ATF prices in some cities have crossed Rs 1 lakh per kilolitre, increasing operational pressure on airlines.
Apart from rising fuel costs, airlines are also witnessing a seasonal decline in passenger traffic after the summer vacation period. Industry experts say carriers generally experience lower demand during this phase every year and often adjust flight frequencies to manage expenses during the lean season.
Several major domestic routes operating from airports such as Mumbai and Delhi are expected to witness reduced services. Flights connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Patna, and Bhopal may operate less frequently. Similarly, routes from Delhi to Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are also likely to see temporary reductions. Some connecting routes in South India could also be affected.
Aviation experts believe that if ATF prices continue to rise, airfares may also increase in the coming weeks. For now, airlines are focusing on cutting operational costs while maintaining connectivity on key domestic routes.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com