Air India, India’s flagship carrier, will resume a wide range of international routes from August 1, 2025, following a temporary “Safety Pause” that was imposed after the AI171 incident on June 12. This resumption comes after comprehensive safety audits of the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet and operational adjustments to cope with extended airspace detours.
A major highlight of the airline’s phased global comeback is the launch of a new Ahmedabad–London Heathrow route, operating three times weekly. This new service replaces the former five-times-weekly Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, shifting strategic focus to Heathrow, London’s premier international hub, for better connectivity and passenger convenience.
Gradual Return to Global Connectivity
From August, Air India will operate over 525 weekly international flights serving 63 destinations worldwide, including expanded services to critical cities such as Zurich, Tokyo, Seoul, and Amsterdam. The goal is a complete restoration of Air India’s global flight schedule by October 1, 2025.
Key route highlights include:
- Delhi–London Heathrow: Fully restored to 24 flights weekly since July 16.
- Delhi–Zurich: Expanding from 4 to 5 flights per week from August 1.
- Delhi–Tokyo Haneda: Resuming daily service (7x weekly) starting August 1.
- Delhi–Seoul Incheon: Flights resume at 5x weekly starting September 1.
- Delhi–Amsterdam: Daily flights restarting from August 1.
Passengers can now anticipate more seamless travel options to and from India as Europe and Asia services are prioritized in the airline’s recovery strategy.
Select Routes Operating with Reduced Frequencies
While key routes are regaining normalcy, some international services will continue to operate on limited schedules:
- Bengaluru–London Heathrow: 4x weekly from August 1.
- Amritsar–Birmingham: 2x weekly until August 31, increasing to 3x weekly in September.
- Delhi–Paris: 7x weekly starting August 1, slightly reduced from peak frequencies.
- Delhi–Milan: Operating 3x weekly.
- North America & Australia (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, Sydney, Melbourne): Still limited through September due to operational constraints and long-haul route adjustments.
Suspended Routes Through September
Several routes remain suspended at least until September 30, pending aircraft reallocation and further safety evaluations:
- Amritsar–London Gatwick
- Goa (Mopa)–London Gatwick
- Bengaluru–Singapore
- Pune–Singapore
- Delhi–Nairobi (to resume October 1)
Passenger Support and Industry Implications
Throughout the suspension period, Air India has maintained direct communication with impacted passengers, offering rebooking options or full refunds. With safety at the core of its operations, the airline has emphasized its gratitude to customers for their continued trust and patience.
The airline’s gradual restoration strategy demonstrates a balance between rigorous safety commitments and meeting growing global demand, especially on India–Europe and India–Asia routes.
Air India’s use of London Heathrow over Gatwick for new and reinstated services reflects a shift towards major transit-friendly airports, potentially reducing total travel time and improving access to connecting flights for Europe-bound passengers.
Strategic Outlook and Travel Industry Impact
This cautious but decisive resumption has significant implications for India’s aviation sector and international tourism. The Ahmedabad–London Heathrow corridor, in particular, is expected to become a critical route linking Gujarat’s business and diaspora travelers with Europe.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, India’s international air traffic has been steadily increasing post-pandemic, and the phased recovery by a major carrier like Air India strengthens India’s role as a regional aviation hub.
Meanwhile, tourism boards in cities like Zurich, Tokyo, and Amsterdam are preparing for renewed inbound Indian tourism, especially as routes regain full capacity by Q4 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- Air India resumes global flights from August 1, 2025, following a safety-focused suspension.
- Ahmedabad–London Heathrow route replaces former Gatwick service, enhancing central connectivity.
- Delhi routes to Zurich, Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Seoul will operate at near-normal levels by September.
- Flights to North America and Australia remain limited but gradually recovering.
- Full international schedule restoration is targeted for October 1, 2025.
Final Thought
As India’s national carrier reclaims its place in global skies, this relaunch reflects resilience, responsibility, and readiness. While temporary limitations persist, the resumption of key routes and the introduction of new strategic links signify a robust recovery. Passengers planning to fly internationally in late summer or early fall should monitor Air India’s evolving schedule and book accordingly, as global air travel enters a new phase of normalization.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
