Air Italy pulls back from India

Just months after their launch, Air Italy is cancelling its Indian and Thai flights, stopping service between Milan and Mumbai next Sunday, 17 February; between Milan and Delhi from 29 March, and between Milan and Bangkok from 31 March.

The Bangkok service started only last September and Delhi and Mumbai in December as part of the airline’s plan to connect India with the US via its Milan hub. The airline was reported to be about to enter a codeshare agreement with Indian domestic carrier Vistatra.

The Times of India reported last week Air Italy had explained the cancellations by saying it “will be making… network amendments […] due to a combination of strategic network consolidation and route prioritisation, aircraft delivery changes, and market dynamics”.

In more positive news, Air Italy says it will offer additional flights to the US and Canada this summer, flying Milan – Miami five times a week instead of four and Milan – Toronto six times a week instead of four.

Services between Milan and Chicago are also in the pipeline but Air Italy has postponed the launch from May this year to 2020 apparently because of opposition from US carriers challenging Qatar Airways’ 49% stake in the company.

www.airitaly.com

www.qatarairways.com

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