Passengers Affected as Air India and Air India Express Cut Flight Frequencies from Chennai

Thousands of passengers travelling through Chennai Airport are facing inconvenience as Air India and Air India Express have reduced flight frequencies and suspended several domestic and international services, citing the impact of rising fuel prices.

The reductions have affected key routes connecting Chennai with Port Blair, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Singapore, Dubai, Colombo, Sharjah, Dammam and Kuala Lumpur. Some services have been scaled down, while others have been completely withdrawn.

One of the most affected sectors is the Chennai–Port Blair route. Air India previously operated four daily flights on this sector, which were later transferred to Air India Express before being discontinued. The reduction in services has created difficulties for tourists and regular travellers. Air India Express services between Chennai and Tiruchy and Air India flights to Coimbatore have also been withdrawn without replacement.

Passengers travelling to Madurai, Salem, Thoothukudi, Hyderabad, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have reported challenges in securing tickets due to reduced flight availability and increased demand.

International travellers have also been impacted, with Air India reducing operations to destinations including Singapore, Dubai, Colombo, Dammam, Sharjah and Kuala Lumpur. In some cases, passengers have been forced to book alternative airlines at higher fares following flight cancellations.

According to airline officials, select international services have already been adjusted between June and August, while certain domestic routes have been temporarily rationalised due to the continued impact of high aviation fuel costs. The airline stated that it is closely monitoring passenger demand and operating conditions and may restore services once conditions improve.

Air India has assured that affected passengers are being offered alternative travel options, complimentary date changes or full refunds wherever applicable. The current flight reductions are expected to continue until August, after which frequencies may be reviewed and restored based on operational and market conditions.