In a significant network overhaul, Air India has announced the suspension of its non-stop flights connecting two major Indian metros to a key US tech hub. The airline will halt direct services from both Bengaluru and Mumbai to San Francisco starting March 2026.
Why Are These Key Routes Being Suspended?
The decision, part of a broader network rejig, is attributed to a combination of operational and economic challenges. A primary factor is the soaring cost of aviation fuel, which has made long-haul routes from cities other than a major hub increasingly unviable. Additionally, the airline is facing severe crew strain and logistical pressures. The ongoing airspace restrictions over parts of the world, which extend flight durations and increase fuel burn, have further compounded these issues.
As a result of this consolidation, Air India will funnel all its North America-bound traffic through its Delhi hub. The airline plans to operate a combined 10 weekly flights from Delhi to San Francisco and Toronto, aiming for greater operational efficiency and resource optimization.
Passenger Backlash and Industry Impact
The announcement has sparked immediate outrage among frequent flyers, especially professionals in the technology sector. The direct route was considered a vital Silicon Valley lifeline for India's premier tech hub, Bengaluru. Passengers have expressed fury over the short notice of the suspension, given its effective date is over a year away but impacts long-term travel planning.
Travelers now face the prospect of inconvenient reroutes, longer travel times, and potential chaos with connecting flights through Delhi. The big question looming is whether this move is a temporary fix to manage current headwinds or a permanent loss of direct connectivity for these cities. The suspension severs a direct cultural and economic link and could impact business travel, tourism, and the Indian diaspora on the US West Coast.
What This Means for the Future
This strategic shift underscores the intense pressure on airlines to streamline operations in a challenging global environment. While consolidating flights through Delhi may improve Air India's bottom line in the short term, it risks ceding market share on these lucrative routes to rival international carriers that continue to offer direct or one-stop services.
The move highlights the difficult balance airlines must strike between network breadth and operational depth. For now, passengers from Mumbai and Bengaluru dreaming of a non-stop flight to the Golden Gate will have to look for alternatives or brace for a hub-and-spoke journey via the national capital.
