Air India cancels more domestic, international flights on Friday

New Delhi: Beleaguered airline Air India has cancelled at least eight flights on domestic and international routes, citing maintenance as the reason.

“Flights have been cancelled due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons,” the airline, which has been grappling with several disruptions after the fatal plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad, said in a statement.

Amid the international flights cancelled are: AI906 - from Dubai to Chennai, AI308 - from Delhi to Melbourne, AI309 - from Melbourne to Delhi, AI2204 - from Dubai to Hyderabad.

The following domestic flights have also been cancelled: AI874 - from Pune to Delhi, AI456 - from Ahmedabad to Delhi, AI-2872 - from Hyderabad to Mumbai, AI571 -- from Chennai to Mumbai.

The aviation company also said that procedure has been initiated for full refunds on cancellation of tickets, and also complimentary rescheduling is being offered to the passengers whoever is interested.

“We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers. Our colleagues on ground are making alternative arrangements for them to fly to their respective destinations at the earliest,” it said.

The airline has also advised fliers to check the status of flights before heading to the airports.

It further said that due to continuing enhanced checks on aircraft, airspace restrictions and inclement weather, some disruptions are anticipated, and this will be duly communicated to passengers whenever such a situation arises.

Since the horrific plane crash, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and 33 people on the ground, Air India has cancelled many flights while grounding others after technical snags were reported.

It also announced cutting back its wide-body international schedule by approximately 15 per cent starting Friday, which will continue through mid-July to facilitate inspections.

“The reductions arise from the decision to voluntarily undertake enhanced pre-flight safety checks, as well as accommodate additional flight durations arising from airspace closures in the Middle East. The objective is to restore schedule stability and minimize last-minute inconvenience to passengers,” it said in a statement.