Air India will suspend its direct flights between Delhi and Washington, DC, starting September 1, 2025. The airline cited aircraft shortages from a major cabin retrofit program and operational challenges caused by the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace as reasons.
The Tata Group-owned carrier said the move was necessary “to ensure the reliability and integrity” of its wider route network.
Boeing 787 Retrofit And Airspace Issues
Air India is upgrading 26 of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to improve passenger comfort. Some of these aircraft will remain out of service until late 2026. At the same time, Pakistan’s airspace closure has been forcing longer flight routes, putting additional strain on long-haul schedules.
“Coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, which impacts long-haul operations by forcing longer routings, the retrofit has made it operationally challenging to maintain the Delhi–Washington service,” the airline said.
Alternative Connections for Passengers
Travelers booked on the non-stop service after September 1 will be contacted by Air India. They will be offered alternatives, including rebooking on other flights or receiving full refunds.
While the non-stop option will end, passengers will still have one-stop connections to Washington through New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco, using partner carriers. Direct flights to other North American cities such as Toronto and Vancouver will continue as usual.
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Safety Assurances from the Airline
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson recently assured passengers that inspections of its Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 737 fleets found no safety concerns. He also confirmed that the retrofit program is progressing on schedule.
