By Aviation Nexus Staff Writer
Published: July 16, 2025
New Delhi — As Air India reshapes its international schedule following operational and safety reviews, some key route changes are taking center stage — notably the adjustment of its Ahmedabad to London service, and the complete suspension of several lesser-performing international routes.
These updates are part of the airline’s broader strategy to streamline global operations amid ongoing fleet checks, crew availability challenges, and evolving airspace restrictions following the June 12 crash of Flight AI171.
🇮🇳✈️ Ahmedabad–London: Heathrow Replaces Gatwick
One of the most significant adjustments involves the Ahmedabad–London route, which has shifted from London Gatwick (LGW) to London Heathrow (LHR). Beginning August 1, Air India will operate three weekly flights on this corridor — a notable reduction from the previous five weekly services to Gatwick.
The change reflects a focus on optimizing connectivity and premium traffic. Heathrow offers more extensive codeshare and alliance opportunities through Star Alliance partners, better slot timing, and increased access to long-haul European and North American connections.
Airport officials in Ahmedabad welcomed the shift, citing Heathrow’s reputation and convenience for both leisure and business travelers from Gujarat, many of whom maintain strong links to the UK and beyond.
✂️ Routes Dropped Entirely (As of Q3 2025)
While some routes are being restructured, others have been suspended indefinitely, primarily due to low load factors, aircraft shortages, or strategic redundancy.
Here are the international routes that Air India has dropped or suspended without a confirmed return date:
- Mumbai – Frankfurt (FRA)
- Delhi – Copenhagen (CPH)
- Delhi – Vienna (VIE)
- Delhi – Milan (MXP)
- Amritsar – Birmingham (BHX)
- Delhi – Nairobi (NBO)
- Delhi – Sydney (SYD) (seasonal return under review)
- Delhi – Melbourne (MEL) (limited reinstatement expected Q4)
While not officially labeled as “permanent cuts,” no restart timelines have been announced. These decisions come as Air India prioritizes routes with higher yield, strategic alliances, and fleet compatibility — particularly those operable with Boeing 787s and A350s.
🧭 What’s Driving the Route Reshuffle?
According to Air India executives, the realignment is driven by multiple factors:
- Airspace Constraints: Ongoing closures over Pakistan and parts of the Middle East are lengthening flight paths, disrupting scheduling, and increasing fuel costs.
- Fleet Availability: Safety inspections and grounded aircraft following the AI171 crash have thinned the airline’s long-haul fleet.
- Crew Regulations: Updated duty-time limitations for pilots and cabin crew have forced the airline to reconsider route viability, especially for ultra-long-haul sectors.
- Hub Optimization: A renewed focus on Delhi and Mumbai as core international gateways has pushed secondary city routes to the margins.
✈️ Looking Ahead
Air India says it aims to restore full international operations by October 1, with further route reviews ongoing. The carrier continues to expand capacity on trunk routes to London, New York, and Toronto, while exploring new European codeshares to cover cities where direct service has been dropped.
For now, travelers from cities like Ahmedabad will benefit from improved Heathrow connectivity, but those in Amritsar, Copenhagen, or Vienna may need to look toward connecting options for their international itineraries.
