Air India slashes Bengaluru–London flights amid fleet safety review

Bengaluru–London air connectivity is set to tighten as Air India reduces flight frequency on the route from seven to four times per week starting August 1. This move comes as part of the airline’s continued network-wide adjustments linked to an ongoing safety review of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

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The reduction follows Air India's "safety pause," which led to temporary suspensions and rerouting across several international sectors. While certain routes such as Delhi–London Heathrow are seeing frequency increases — with services returning to 24 flights per week — the Bengaluru–London corridor faces notable cuts during the phased restoration process.

The airline confirmed that the revised schedule will remain in effect through September, with a gradual return to full operations expected by October 1. However, until then, travellers from Bengaluru will have fewer options for direct international flights. In a further setback, the Bengaluru–Singapore route remains fully suspended until at least September 30.

Air India has attributed these changes to aircraft inspections and operational constraints resulting from a portion of its Boeing 787 fleet being grounded. The airline is offering rebooking support and full refunds for affected passengers as part of its customer outreach efforts.

This strategic trimming underscores the challenges faced by airlines managing global operations amid maintenance and airspace constraints, with Bengaluru currently bearing the brunt of Air India’s temporary international cutbacks.