Bengaluru Mumbai Lose Key US Connection As Air India Cancels Flights

​India’s international air connectivity faced a setback as Air India cancelled its direct San Francisco routes, disrupting a crucial travel link for Bengaluru and Mumbai, two of the country’s most important global business hubs. The decision has impacted thousands of passengers, particularly technology professionals, students, and business travelers who rely heavily on nonstop US connections.

According to airline officials, the cancellation of the San Francisco services was driven by a combination of operational constraints, aircraft availability issues, and ongoing route rationalisation. While Air India did not specify whether the suspension is temporary or long-term, industry insiders suggest the move reflects broader challenges faced by airlines operating ultra-long-haul routes.

Bengaluru–San Francisco and Mumbai–San Francisco routes were especially popular among India’s tech workforce and Silicon Valley-bound professionals. Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s technology capital, maintained strong demand for direct US flights due to close ties with American tech firms. The loss of this route is expected to increase travel time and costs for passengers who will now need to rely on one-stop connections via the Middle East or Europe.

Travel agents report a surge in rebooking requests following the announcement. Passengers are being rerouted through hubs such as Dubai, Doha, London, and Frankfurt. While alternative options remain available, experts note that nonstop flights offer a major advantage in terms of convenience, time savings, and reduced jet lag—especially on routes exceeding 15 hours.

Air India, currently undergoing a large-scale transformation under the Tata Group, has been reshaping its network strategy. The airline is focusing on fleet modernisation, service upgrades, and long-term profitability. Analysts say the San Francisco route cancellation highlights the pressure airlines face amid rising fuel costs, aircraft delivery delays, and maintenance challenges affecting wide-body fleets worldwide. Decision also has economic implications. Direct connectivity between India and the United States plays a vital role in strengthening trade, tourism, and educational exchanges. Universities, corporate offices, and business chambers have expressed concern that reduced nonstop connectivity may temporarily affect travel sentiment between the two countries.

Civil aviation experts believe the route could return once operational stability improves and new aircraft are inducted into Air India’s fleet. The airline has several long-haul aircraft on order, which may allow it to restore or even expand US routes in the future. However, until clarity emerges, travelers are advised to plan well in advance and monitor airline advisories closely.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has acknowledged the disruption but stated that passenger safety and operational reliability remain top priorities. No regulatory action has been announced at this stage.

For now, the cancellation marks a significant pause in India–US air connectivity, underscoring the challenges airlines face in maintaining long-haul international services in a rapidly changing global aviation environment.