Air India has, in what seems to be a drastic measure, confirmed plans to permanently suspend 50% of its European network as it prepares for its post-COVID future. The cities affected include Milan, Madrid, Vienna, Stockholm and Copenhagen, leaving just 5 destinations remaining in the carrier's route network.
Air India Boeing 787-8 dreamliner pictured landing at London Heathrow. Photo by Ervin Eslami | AeroNewsX
Worth noting is that Air India will be maintaining its necessary links between India and the UK, notably to London and Birmingham. With a significant Indian community spread out across England (largely due to migration following the end of World War 2 and the breakup of the British Empire), this comes as no surprise.
Flights to Rome, Paris and Frankfurt will also be maintained, which can largely be put down to their importance as European capitals. The carrier's restructuring strategy reduces the options available for those travelling between Europe and India. Indeed, while airlines such as Lufthansa and Air France will continue to operate regular flights to India, the latest announcement means a significant reduction in direct connections between Europe and India.
On the flip side, this likely comes as welcome news to Vistara which is preparing for its long-haul debut to London this month. Sources suggest that the launch will coincide with India's independence day celebrations on 15 August. The service will launch with the carrier's sole Boeing 787-9 operating four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
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