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Air India to operate 36 extra flights to Europe and Canada amid airspace restrictions

#Hospitality & Retail#India
Last Updated : 20th Mar, 2026
Synopsis

Air India will operate 36 additional flights to Europe and Canada to manage disruptions caused by restricted West Asia airspace. The move aims to maintain connectivity and handle increased passenger demand on long-haul routes. The additional services will run until March 28 and will connect major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai with destinations such as London, Toronto, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Due to rerouting, flight durations have increased, prompting operational adjustments including schedule changes and regulatory support for extended flying hours.

Air India has announced plans to operate 36 additional international flights to Europe and Canada in response to ongoing airspace restrictions over West Asia. These restrictions have affected regular flight paths, forcing airlines to take longer alternate routes. The additional services will continue until March 28 to ensure that passenger movement remains stable during this period.


The airline will deploy these extra flights from key hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai. The routes will cover major destinations including London, Toronto, Frankfurt, and Zurich, which are among the most affected sectors due to rerouting. The decision is aimed at managing higher passenger load and avoiding major disruptions in travel plans.

Airspace closures in parts of West Asia have significantly impacted global aviation in recent weeks. Airlines are now required to bypass certain regions due to safety concerns linked to geopolitical tensions. This has increased flying time on several long-haul routes, especially those connecting India with Europe and North America. As a result, airlines are facing higher fuel consumption, operational complexity, and tighter scheduling windows.

To manage these challenges, Air India has been adjusting its flight schedules and aircraft deployment. The airline has also been working on route optimisation to reduce delays and maintain service reliability. In some cases, flights have been rerouted mid-journey or adjusted at short notice depending on changing airspace conditions.

Regulatory authorities have provided temporary relief measures to support airlines during this period. This includes relaxation in pilot duty time norms, allowing crew to operate longer flights without affecting compliance. Such steps have helped airlines maintain continuity despite extended travel durations.

Air India has also been gradually increasing capacity on international routes over the past few weeks. Earlier, the airline had already introduced additional services on select long-haul sectors to address rising demand and uncertainty in travel schedules. The current move builds on those efforts, ensuring that passengers have more options despite ongoing disruptions.

The situation remains dynamic, and airlines continue to monitor developments closely. Any further changes in airspace availability could lead to additional adjustments in flight schedules. Passengers are also being advised to check flight status regularly as timings may vary due to operational requirements.

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