- Air India has suffered a sharp decline in passenger numbers on its key India-UK route following a fatal crash in Ahmedabad last summer that killed 260 people.
- Aviation data shows Air India's passenger traffic fell consistently from August 2025 into 2026, while foreign competitor airlines experienced substantial growth on the same route.
- The carrier's global passenger carriage plunged 36 per cent in the April-June quarter, with travellers citing safety fears and poor service standards for switching to rivals.
- Air India attributed the drop partly to Pakistani airspace restrictions and geopolitical disruptions, while highlighting recent improvements in its customer satisfaction scores.
- Despite posting record combined losses of $2.33bn and seeking $1.5bn in fresh equity, the airline is continuing with long-term plans to expand and upgrade its fleet.
IN FULL
