Air India has temporarily suspended its Delhi–Malé services until August, as part of a wider rationalisation of its international network, citing continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices that have affected operational viability.
The airline said the adjustments, announced for the June to August period, are aimed at improving network stability and reducing last-minute inconvenience to passengers, while responding to challenging external operating conditions.
The airline said it will assist passengers affected by cancellations through re-accommodation on alternative flights, free date changes, or full refunds where applicable.
The suspension of the Delhi–Malé route is part of broader network adjustments across multiple regions. These include temporary suspensions and frequency reductions on routes in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Air India said it continues to work with regulators, airport authorities, and industry partners to restore full capacity when conditions improve, but added that further adjustments may be made depending on the operating environment.
The suspension comes following a recent expansion of Air India’s international flight schedule, including additional services to the Maldives, as airlines adjust operations in response to disruptions affecting air travel across the Middle East.
The airline announced that 78 additional flights would operate between 10 and 18 March across nine international routes linking Delhi and Mumbai with destinations in Europe, the United States, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The temporary expansion was intended to accommodate increased demand for alternative travel options as several West Asian air corridors remained restricted due to the ongoing conflict.
Among the routes receiving additional services was the Delhi–Malé sector. However, with the recent changes, the expanded flights will not operate until August.
