Over 10,000 West Asia flights of Indian carriers cancelled since Feb 28; AI hikes fuel surcharge

NEW DELHI: Indian airlines have cancelled over 10,000 flights to West Asia since the start of the US-Iran war on Feb 28. Aviation ministry joint secretary Asangba Chuba Ao said Tuesday Indian airlines on an average had 300-350 daily flights to West Asia, a number that is now down to 80-90. Apart from monetary losses caused by this decline, airlines now have to take much longer routes to and from the west at a time when aviation turbine fuel prices (ATF) prices have increased globally.

Chuba Ao said: “The aviation ministry is actively working with all stakeholders… exploring all means of who we can support the industry, especially airlines and to bring down the cost which eventually will be passed on to consumers.