Air India said it may increase international flights if the Gulf crisis eases.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Air India has announced plans to ramp up international flights as the situation in West Asia stabilizes and airspace in Gulf countries gradually opens up. The airline says it may reverse its cuts to flights to the US and Europe between June and August if the situation continues.

Campbell Wilson, Air India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, said the airspace closures in a number of countries during the West Asia conflict meant longer routes. This resulted in longer flight times and higher operating costs and fares.

The fall in jet fuel prices and improving situation is now a sigh of relief to the company. The airline is looking to reduce international flights, he said. During the crisis, around 1,200 flights a month were scheduled to five continents.

Wilson also said Air India’s fleet will grow to include eight new or fully renovated aircraft shortly, boosting its operational capabilities.