“Air India Cuts Flights, Raises Fares Due to Fuel Prices”

Air India has reduced its flight operations in response to the surge in jet fuel prices, impacting travel options and costs for Canadian residents heading to India. The airline has confirmed a decrease in the number of flights on its Delhi-Toronto and Delhi-Vancouver routes for May, with plans for further reductions in the coming months. CEO Campbell Wilson explained that the sharp increase in fuel prices, combined with airspace closures and longer flight paths, has made many international routes unprofitable. As a result, Air India has raised airfares and introduced fuel surcharges, leading to decreased customer demand. Round-trip flights between Toronto and Delhi have decreased by 35% in May compared to March, while flights from Vancouver to Delhi have also been significantly reduced. The ongoing fuel cost escalation has prompted numerous airlines to adjust prices, cancel flights, and ground aircraft. With approximately 1.4 million people of Indian descent residing in Canada, the higher fares and reduced flight availability are expected to impact travel between the two countries. Air Canada, which operates daily flights to Delhi from Toronto, has faced challenges during the pandemic, including halting direct service from Vancouver. The average economy fares for trips between Canada and Delhi have increased by 24% year over year, reaching $1,963 by late April. This surge in fares surpasses the average increase for international flights, which rose by 11% year over year. In response to escalating fuel costs, several Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, have adjusted their flight schedules and services. Air Canada has suspended routes deemed economically unfeasible, while WestJet is reducing capacity on select routes in the coming months.