Why Air India is Halting Non-Stop Bengaluru and Mumbai to San Francisco Flights

Air India will suspend its non-stop San Francisco services from both Bengaluru (BLR) and Mumbai (BOM) starting March 1. The final flights are scheduled for February 27 and February 28, 2026, respectively. This major change to the Air India schedule changes is due to aircraft deployment challenges and higher costs. The airline cited ongoing airspace restrictions higher costs as the primary factor.

This decision has caused confusion and concern among passengers. Many travelers had booked flights beyond the February 28 deadline. The withdrawal impacts tech professionals and business travelers. These groups rely heavily on direct links to the US West Coast connectivity.

Operational Challenges and Airspace Restrictions

The suspension is directly linked to persistent limitations. These restrictions involve Russian and Pakistani airspace. Avoiding this restricted airspace makes nonstop operations inefficient. It forces longer flight times and requires technical refueling stops. These stops have occurred in cities like Kolkata or Vienna. The resulting increased fuel burn and operating complexity weakened the routes' sustainability. Previous reports indicated the Pakistan airspace ban alone could cost Air India up to $600 million annually. This highlights the severe financial pressure on long-haul flights.

• Airspace restrictions force technical stops.
• Longer routes increase fuel consumption and flight time.
• Operational complexity impacts route viability.

Strategic Network Rejig and Capacity Shift

In response, the Tata-owned carrier is realigning its North America network. This strategic move aims to better deploy capacity. The airline is consolidating its long-haul flying at its Delhi hub. As part of this rejig, Air India will significantly scale up its Delhi San Francisco Toronto flights. Service from Delhi to San Francisco and Toronto will increase to 10 flights a week. This expanded service is expected to absorb some displaced demand. The Air India capacity deployment strategy reinforces Delhi as the sole gateway to San Francisco.

• Consolidation: Delhi becomes the exclusive hub for San Francisco flights.
• Capacity Increase: Delhi-SFO and Delhi-Toronto services rise to 10 weekly flights.
• Aircraft: The Bengaluru route was often flown by the long-range Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Passenger Impact and Future Outlook

Passengers affected by the withdrawal of Bengaluru Mumbai San Francisco flights will be contacted. They will be re-accommodated on alternative services or offered full refunds. However, the loss of direct connectivity remains a significant inconvenience. The Bengaluru-San Francisco link was vital for two global technology centers. The extended travel times, reaching nearly 20 hours on some return legs, are frustrating for flyers. An Air India spokesperson indicated the routes could be restored later. The airline will seek to reinstate non-stop service should airspace restrictions ease. For the latest commercial aviation news and updates on route changes, follow industry reports. aviation news

Key Takeaways

• Air India suspends non-stop Bengaluru and Mumbai to San Francisco flights from March 1, 2026.
• The decision is driven by higher operating costs and technical stops forced by Russian and Pakistani airspace restrictions.
• The airline will increase Delhi-San Francisco and Delhi-Toronto services to 10 weekly flights to absorb displaced capacity.
• Affected passengers are guaranteed re-accommodation on alternative services or full refunds.