In a big move, Air India has announced to discontinue non-stop San Francisco services from Bengaluru and Mumbai, starting March 1, according to a TOI report,
citing aircraft deployment challenges and higher costs due to airspace restrictions. The move has triggered concerns among passengers who have already made the bookings for next year. However, the airline is planning to scale up services from Delhi to San Francisco and Toronto to 10 flights a week. This will help flyers by improving and expanding the connectivity. But the withdrawal of direct connectivity from Bengaluru and Mumbai will majorly affect the tech professionals and people traveling for business, as they rely on non-stop links to the US West Coast, TOI reported. An Air India spokesperson told TOI, "The airline has made changes to its North America schedule to better deploy capacity and manage rising costs linked to ongoing airspace restrictions." Also Read: Mid-Air Scare: Air India Mumbai Flight Returns to Delhi After ‘Serious Glitch’ - Engine Shutdown Suspected?
Here's What Affected Passengers Should Know
The passengers affected by the new plan announced by Air India will be re-accommodated on alternative services, or full refunds will be paid to them.
Passengers Fume
The passengers, who have already planned their trips and made the bookings through Air India, are furious and disappointed over the sudden change of rules. One of the passengers took to X, and said, "I have flights booked on BLR-SFO (with return) in May and DEL-SFO (with return) on May 26. What do I do?"
While others said that he booked the flight months ago to avoid last-minute hassles, and now everything is uncertain.
"I have family travel planned for May. What happens to our return tickets?" a third flyer posted. To this, an airline official said they will reach out to affected flyers, TOI reported.
