AI plans to rationalise some routes, says Bansal

Air India plans to rationalise some routes operated by the airline and its subsidiaries, including in the Gulf region, as part of cost-saving efforts, according to its chief, Rajiv Bansal.

The flag carrier is discussing the possible routes that can be rationalised starting from the winter schedule next month.

“There are some routes in which Air India and Air India Express are competing. We have to ensure that we don’t compete, which means that it is not that Air India or Air India Express withdraw, but we can work with the timings. Wherever the passenger loads are not justified, either Air India or its subsidiaries can withdraw,” he said. In this regard, Bansal said he has already held a series of meetings with Air India Express and Alliance Air.