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Air India is set to make significant changes to its London operations this summer. The airline will suspend its longest route to London, Kochi-London Gatwick, from March 30, 2025. The decision comes as part of Air India's cabin retrofit program for its Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 fleets, which has led to a "consequent temporary reduction in the operational fleet," according to the airline.
Despite achieving load factors of over 90% on the Kochi-London route, Aviainsights suggests that lower yields have prompted the suspension. "Given lower average base fares and longer distance, Kochi is likely to have been the worst performing in terms of yields out of all the carrier's services to London," stated Aviainsights.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority reported that Air India transported nearly 70,000 passengers between Kochi and London Gatwick from January to November 2024. However, despite high passenger numbers, the financial performance was not satisfactory due to high operating costs and long flight distances.
