Air India Crash Aftermath: Fresh Bookings Plunge 35%, Travelers Face Uncertainty And Delays

Air India flight bookings have dropped by 30-35% in the six days following the June 12 crash, disrupting travel plans during the summer holiday and international conference season.

The crash has made many travellers uncertain about their plans, with some reconsidering their trips.

“In terms of fresh bookings, we have seen a reduction of 30-35%. This includes the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict besides the plane crash,” said Madhav Oza, owner of Blue Star Air Travel Services (India) Pvt Ltd.

More than 20% of existing Air India bookings have been cancelled since June 12, travel agencies say.

Air India flight AI-171, operating from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick, crashed on the afternoon of June 12, shortly after takeoff. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

The airline confirmed 241 fatalities of the 242 people on board in a statement.

On Wednesday, Air India cancelled nearly 15% of its long-haul flights to key destinations in Europe and the US — a move that, while focused on safety and operational reassessment, has left many passengers stranded and struggling for alternatives.

The Tata Group carrier has cancelled a total of 83 flights since the June 12 crash that killed at least 270 lives, in India's deadliest aviation accident in decades.

“The cancellation of nearly 15% of Air India’s long-haul flights to Europe and the US is understandably causing disruption for many passengers,” said Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.

Tour operators and agents are raising travel package prices due to last-minute changes, forcing some passengers to pay higher fares or rebook with foreign airlines.

“The season is muted compared to the last season,” said a travel agent. “Last-moment cancellation of Air India flights is inflating the travel package for existing bookings. We are providing alternatives. Fresh bookings to popular destinations such as Europe are seeing an impact.”

Travellers are finding limited seats and high prices on other airlines despite Air India's refund and rebooking options.

“While it’s reassuring that the airline is offering full refunds and rebooking options, this sudden reduction in capacity is pushing travellers to explore alternative carriers or even postpone their trips altogether,” a travel agent explained. “We have already seen increased anxiety and frustration among outbound travellers, especially those with time-sensitive plans.”

Stranded passengers are booking nearby hotels due to flight disruptions and itinerary changes.