KKN Gurugram Desk | Air India has announced the cancellation of several domestic and international flights due to intensified aircraft inspections, adverse weather conditions, and restricted airspace. The move impacts key routes linking major cities, affecting thousands of passengers. The airline has assured full refunds and complimentary rescheduling for affected travellers, while maintaining that its staff are working diligently to minimize passenger inconvenience.

 Which Flights Are Affected?

Air India’s official update lists cancellations across both international and domestic sectors, citing maintenance, weather delays, and air-traffic control restrictions. The cancelled flights include:

• International Flights:

  • AI 906: Dubai → Chennai

  • AI 308: Delhi → Melbourne

  • AI 309: Melbourne → Delhi

  • AI 2204: Dubai → Hyderabad

• Domestic Flights:

  • AI 874: Pune → Delhi

  • AI 456: Ahmedabad → Delhi

  • AI 2872: Hyderabad → Mumbai

  • AI 571: Chennai → Mumbai

Major hubs such as Dubai, Chennai, Delhi, Melbourne, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai are directly affected.

 Why Did Air India Cancel These Flights?

Three main reasons were cited by Air India management:

1. Increased Aircraft Inspections
   A fleet-wide rise in preventive maintenance checks—especially affecting widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and 787—has reduced fleet availability.

2. Poor Weather Conditions
   Severe weather at hubs like Melbourne and Dubai has disrupted flight schedules, putting safety ahead of on-time performance.

3. Airspace Restrictions
   Temporary airspace constraints have led to cancellations across multiple busy routes.

 Refunds and Rebooking Options

Air India has expressed regret over passenger inconvenience and has outlined the following options:

• Full refund on cancelled flights

• Free rebooking on alternative Air India services

• Ground-staff support at airports for onward travel arrangements

Passengers will receive a full refund for ticketed fare and taxes if they opt out of rescheduling. The move aligns with the airline’s commitment to customer-friendly cancellation policy, aiming to avoid financial penalty during disruptions.

Temporary Route Suspension (June 21 – July 15)

Beyond current cancellations, Air India will temporarily suspend select routes from June 21 to July 15, 2025. This includes services operated on Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. A June 18 press release mentioned that affected routes are being deferred by a strategic cut to manage fleet allocation.

 Airline Response and Safety Focus

In a media statement, Air India affirmed:

“Due to enhanced aircraft inspections, adverse weather, and restricted airspace, some disruptions in schedules may occur. We regret the inconvenience and are deploying ground staff to assist impacted passengers. Full refunds or free re-bookings are available.”

The airline also encouraged travellers to check flight status through their website or customer helpline:

• Website: airindia.com → Manage → Flight Status

• Customer Service: +91‑11‑69329333 / +91‑11‑69329999

Passengers seeking real-time updates should reference their PNR or flight number.

 What Should Travellers Do?

For those impacted:

• Check flight status online before heading to the airport

• Call customer service to confirm refund or rebooking

• Arrive early at the airport if a new travel plan is given

• Monitor email/SMS alerts for real-time updates

Ground support teams are present at airports across affected cities, including cross-border i.e., Dubai and Melbourne hubs.

 Common Passenger Queries

1. Will I get a refund or voucher?
   A full refund for the cancelled flight is available; passengers can also opt for free rebooking.

2. Can I travel on another airline?
   No, complimentary rebooking will be limited to Air India services.

3. When will service resume?
   Flight operations are expected to normalise after July 15, post-inspection window.

4. Is travel insurance applicable?
   Yes— passengers with insurance will be able to claim under trip cancellation protection for incidental expenses.

Air India is set to navigate the cancellation wave by prioritizing aircraft safety, weather preparedness, and passenger satisfaction. The simultaneous disruptions highlight vulnerabilities in global airline operations, from infrastructure strain to meteorological uncertainty.

For those affected, the airline’s full refund and free rebooking policy should provide relief. However, travellers must stay alert, confirm flight status before travelling to the airport, and reach out via official channels.

Stay tuned to KKNLive.com for continuing coverage on Air India’s fleet updates, flight rescheduling alerts, and new developments in aviation safety protocols.