New Delhi: Air India's thousands of flight cuts due to the Iran war and Pakistan's airspace ban have become a boon for foreign carriers, with Lufthansa Group (LHAG.DE), opens new tab and Cathay Pacific (0293.HK), opens new tab among those adding services to one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
With their Middle Eastern routes curtailed and some passengers wary of connecting in the conflict-hit Gulf, India has become more attractive for international airlines looking to capitalise on strong demand for flights from South Asia to Europe and North America that has led to higher airfares.
Foreign airlines' share of India-origin international scheduled flights rose to 58.4% in March-May, from 51.2% a year earlier, OAG data shows. Air India scheduled 6,404 international flights from India in March-May, down 17.5% year-on-year, and announced widespread cuts for June-August on Wednesday including on European and North American routes.
For Air India, the flight cuts and encroachment from foreign rivals represent a blow to its ambitions of becoming a credible global airline by adding new widebody jets, upgrading cabins and adding more non-stop Europe and North America links.
"The war has attacked every leg of Air India's transformation plan," said Linus Benjamin Bauer, global managing partner at aviation consultancy BAA & Partners.
14/05/2026 Abhijith Ganapavaram/Reuters
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