Air India cancels over 10,000 West Asia flights since February 28; AI hikes fuel surcharge

New Delhi: Indian airlines have canceled more than 10,000 flights to West Asia since the US-Iran war broke out on February 28. Aviation Ministry Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba Ao said on Tuesday that Indian airlines had an average of 300-350 flights to West Asia every day, which has now dropped to 80-90. In addition to the monetary loss caused by this decline, airlines must now take longer routes to and from the West amid rising global aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices.Chuba Ao said: “The Ministry of Aviation is actively working with all stakeholders… to explore all the ways in which we can support the industry, especially airlines, and reduce the costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers. All measures are being explored to ensure the industry remains active. “The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently approved a temporary relaxation in the Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) for pilots plying long-haul flights to and from the West, allowing tired pilots to fly for longer than before as flights now have to take longer routes. The relaxation is valid until April 30. “We will reconsider this arrangement. We have some time. This is an evolving situation and we will reconsider this exemption given what is going to happen in the coming days.” If needed, we will take the necessary calls at that time,” he said.Meanwhile, following IndiGo, Air India has also increased its fuel surcharge as the base price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) more than doubled for international flights and increased by 25% for domestic flights. Starting Wednesday morning, Air India’s domestic fuel surcharge will be adjusted from Rs 399 to Rs 299 to Rs 899, depending on the distance.The fuel surcharge for SAARC flights, which was originally Rs 399, will increase to USD 24. The surcharges for other international flights have been adjusted to range from USD 50 (West Asian flights) to USD 280 (North American and Australian flights).