Amid many headwinds, Air India's loss widens more

Air India's consolidated loss for the fiscal year ending March 2026 reached Rs 22,238.23 crore, a significant increase from Rs 10,858.83 crore in the previous fiscal year. The total income of the Tata Group-owned carrier declined to Rs 71,869.94 crore compared to Rs 78,635.61 crore in the previous fiscal year, according to regulatory filings. Air India Express's financials were also included in the consolidated figures.

The company has faced multiple challenges since the Boeing AI171 accident in June last year, which resulted in the deaths of 260 people. Other issues include geopolitical disruptions, airspace closures, fuel price volatility, and various operational problems. Expenses increased to Rs 93,733.31 crore in the last fiscal year from Rs 89,317.12 crore a year ago. Aircraft repair and maintenance costs rose to Rs 14,976.45 crore, while fuel expenses fell to Rs 26,871.80 crore.

Foreign exchange loss reached Rs 7,388.23 crore, up from Rs 1,545.01 crore in the previous year. The parent company has adequate coverage under aviation hull and liability insurance policies. The management believes financial liabilities arising from claims will be covered by insurance, and no material impact on reserves and losses is currently expected.

On a standalone basis, Air India's loss widened to Rs 15,367.75 crore from Rs 3,975.75 crore in the previous fiscal year. Total income also shrank to Rs 53,662.15 crore compared to Rs 64,343.09 crore a year ago. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran acknowledged the long and challenging journey for Air India's transformation, stating that it should be viewed as a five-to ten-year process.