Combined Revenue Drops 9% as Tata‑Owned Airlines Post Huge Deficit

The annual report released on July 28 reveals that Air India and Air India Express together earned ₹71,870 crore in FY26, down about 9 percent from the prior year. The steep revenue slide accompanied a staggering net loss of ₹22,238 crore across both carriers.

Air India’s top line stood at ₹51,452 crore, yet the airline recorded a loss of ₹15,368 crore. Its budget arm, Air India Express, posted ₹19,088 crore in revenue and a loss of ₹6,767 crore.

Tata Sons remains the dominant shareholder with a 73.82 percent stake, while Singapore Airlines holds 25.1 percent and employees retain 1.08 percent. The employee shareholding was introduced as part of the 2022 privatization package.

Chairman N. Chandrasekharan warned that the turnaround will require a multi‑year commitment, noting that the airline’s challenges include ageing systems, supply‑chain constraints, fleet renewal, cultural change, and the need to develop a larger pool of skilled aviation professionals.