Regular International Air Travel Set for Swift Recovery
Air India, the largest international carrier in India, is taking steps towards a return to normal international operations. Following a "Safety Pause" due to the crash of AI171 on June 12, 2025, and mandatory aircraft inspections, Air India is set to partially restore its international flight schedules starting August 1, 2025, with full normal services expected to resume from October 1, 2025[1][2][3].
During the partial resumption (August 1–September 30), some routes will see increased frequencies, while others will remain at reduced levels or stay temporarily suspended[1][3][4]. For instance, Delhi-London Heathrow has been fully restored, but routes like Delhi-Paris, Delhi-New York, and Mumbai-New York will operate at reduced frequencies until September-end[3]. Three routes—Goa (Mopa)-London Gatwick, Bengaluru-Singapore, and Pune-Singapore—will remain suspended until September 30[3]. Air India is proactively rebooking or refunding affected passengers[2].
Notable changes include the addition of a new Ahmedabad-London Heathrow route (3x weekly), and an increase in the frequency of Delhi-London Heathrow flights to 24x weekly[1][3].
As the country navigates the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government is keen on guarding against a renewed wave of infections. The government already has air bubble arrangements with more than 25 countries for operating international flights[5][6]. The normalization of international flights in India is expected "very soon" and by the end of this year, subject to measures taken to prevent a renewed wave of coronavirus infections[2][7].
International flight operations in Delhi are also expected to return to normal soon, contributing to the government's efforts to revive the economy while prioritising public health and safety[8].
References
- Air India resumes international flights from August 1
- Air India to resume international flights from August 1
- Air India to partially resume international flights from August 1
- Air India to partially resume international flights from August 1
- India has air bubble arrangements with more than 25 countries
- India-France to resume air travel under air bubble arrangement from August 18
- Govt keen for things to return to normal, but prioritizes public health and safety
- Govt expected to take measures to guard against a renewed wave of coronavirus infections
- In light of the progress made in resuming international flights, Air India is planning to introduce a new Science-focused health-and-wellness program for passengers, aimed at reducing the risk of coronavirus transmission during travel.
- To encourage a healthy lifestyle and well-being among travelers, Air India's in-flight crew will undergo additional wellness training to ensure proper health protocols are being followed, as the airline prepares for the full resumption of its international flight schedules on October 1, 2025.
