New Delhi [India], June 20: Air India has cancelled several domestic and international flights scheduled for Friday due to increased pre-flight safety checks, adverse weather conditions, and ongoing airspace restrictions.
Flights affected include routes between major cities such as Dubai, Chennai, Delhi, Melbourne, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
In an official statement, the airline said, “Air India’s international flights AI906 (Dubai to Chennai), AI308 (Delhi to Melbourne), AI309 (Melbourne to Delhi), and AI2204 (Dubai to Hyderabad), along with domestic flights AI874 (Pune to Delhi), AI456 (Ahmedabad to Delhi), AI2872 (Hyderabad to Mumbai), and AI571 (Chennai to Mumbai) have been cancelled due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons.”
The airline has assured full refunds or complimentary rescheduling for affected passengers and stated that ground staff are assisting travelers in making alternative travel arrangements.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers. Our colleagues on ground are making alternative arrangements for them to fly to their respective destinations at the earliest. Full refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling has been offered to passengers,” the airline added.
Passengers have been urged to check the latest flight status on the airline’s website or contact customer care at 011 69329333 or 011 69329999.
Due to the ongoing enhanced aircraft checks, restricted airspace access, and unpredictable weather, the airline anticipates further disruptions, which it said will be communicated promptly.
This comes after Air India announced on Thursday a temporary reduction in its weekly international flight operations and a suspension of three routes from June 21 to July 15, 2025. These changes affect flights operated by Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft.
“The reductions arise from the decision to voluntarily undertake enhanced pre-flight safety checks, as well as accommodate additional flight durations arising from airspace closures in the Middle East. The objective is to restore schedule stability and minimise last-minute inconvenience to passengers,” the airline noted in a post on X.