Air India Suspends Bengaluru and Mumbai-San Francisco Flights Due to the Airspace Restrictions, Increases Delhi-US West Coast Capacity for their Future Growth

Published on December 21, 2025

Air India announced that it will suspend its ultra-long-haul flights from Bengaluru and Mumbai to San Francisco starting February next year. The carrier cited continuing airspace restrictions, particularly over Russian and Pakistani airspace, which have made nonstop flights operationally inefficient. The airline will therefore shut its services from the two cities and concentrate on maintaining its Delhi-San Francisco route.

Airspace Restrictions Affecting Long-Haul Operations

The airspace restrictions have forced Air India to make technical stops during these long flights, extending block times, increasing fuel costs, and affecting route viability. These operational challenges have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the routes from Bengaluru and Mumbai. The Bengaluru-San Francisco route, which covers about 7,561 nautical miles, was one of Air India’s longest flights, but faced early demand challenges after its launch during the pandemic in 2021. Although strong premium demand emerged later, a significant portion of travelers opted for competing airlines, limiting Air India’s market share.

Bengaluru-San Francisco Service Ends in February

The final flight on the Bengaluru to San Francisco route is scheduled for February 27, 2026. This route faced multiple challenges, including operational changes after 2025, which led to refueling stops in Kolkata, Vienna, and Delhi, depending on the direction of travel. Despite the strong demand in the premium class, these logistical hurdles made it increasingly difficult to sustain the service.

Mumbai-San Francisco Flights Also Ending

Similarly, the Mumbai to San Francisco flights, launched in December 2022, will be discontinued. The service initially operated four times weekly but faced operational challenges related to increased return journey times, reaching up to 20 hours due to airspace restrictions. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, used for the route, required refueling stops, further stretching the operational costs. The final Mumbai-San Francisco flight is scheduled for February 28, 2026.

Delhi-San Francisco Services to Increase

To compensate for the loss of the two routes, Air India will increase capacity on its Delhi to San Francisco service. The frequency will rise from daily to ten weekly flights starting in early March 2026, restoring capacity last seen in mid-2025. Delhi will continue to serve as Air India’s primary long-haul hub, with nonstop outbound flights and return flights featuring a technical stop in Kolkata. On select days, two daily flights will operate, though return block times may extend up to 20 hours and 45 minutes.

Future Tourism Impact: Strengthening Long-Haul Connectivity and Efficient Route Management

The suspension of the Bengaluru and Mumbai services signals Air India’s strategic shift towards hub consolidation with Delhi as the central long-haul hub. This move will not only streamline operations and reduce operational inefficiencies but also enhance the airline’s ability to cater to growing demand on key transpacific routes. The increase in Delhi-San Francisco services will help meet the rising tourism and business travel demand between India and the US West Coast, strengthening Air India’s competitive edge in North America.

In terms of future tourism growth, Delhi’s growing role as a major long-haul hub will play a key part in enhancing global tourism connectivity for Indian travelers. The improved frequency and operational stability will make it more convenient for international tourists traveling to India through Delhi, while offering easier access to US destinations. Additionally, by consolidating services at Delhi, Air India can enhance its customer experience, ensuring consistent schedules, and reliable services for passengers.

Future Travel Impact: Expanding Global Connectivity and Strengthening the Indian Tourism Sector

The shift in Air India’s route strategy also highlights the future growth of the Indian tourism sector, as the airline focuses on maximizing efficiencies and expanding access to global destinations. With the introduction of more frequent flights to key international markets, particularly the US, Air India is poised to enhance tourism flows between India and major global hubs.

This increased connectivity will encourage tourism and business exchanges, attracting high-value tourists and corporate travelers who rely on reliable and efficient air travel to and from India. It will also have a positive impact on destination awareness, drawing more travelers to India and creating opportunities for economic growth in tourism, hospitality, and ancillary sectors.

Air India’s Strategic Shift for Future Growth and Sustainability

Consideration of consolidating Air India’s long-haul flying at Delhi and increasing frequency on DEL-SAN represents a progressive approach to sustainable growth and operational efficiency. By consolidating at one well-connected hub, the airline sets itself up for future demand aimed at stimulating global tourism connectivity and perquisite, high-yielding customers looking for dependable, efficient air travel. This strategic realignment will result in positioning Air India as a major player in the global aviation market, driving the tourist demand of India and its global connectivity over the next few years.

Image Source: Air India