August 11, 2025 — Air India on Monday announced that it will suspend its non-stop flights between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025, citing a combination of operational challenges and geopolitical constraints.
The airline said the decision was influenced by its ongoing retrofit programme for 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which will keep multiple planes out of service until late 2026. The upgrade project is aimed at modernising cabin interiors and enhancing passenger experience but has temporarily reduced the availability of long-haul aircraft.
In addition, Air India continues to face routing challenges due to the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers since 2019. The restriction has forced longer flight paths, leading to increased fuel consumption, higher operational costs, and pilot duty-time constraints. According to industry estimates, the airspace ban could be adding up to USD 600 million annually to the airline’s expenses.
Passengers booked on the affected Delhi–Washington flights beyond September 1 will be offered full refunds or the option to be rebooked on alternative routes. Air India said it will continue to provide one-stop connectivity to the U.S. capital through gateway cities such as New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco, in partnership with carriers like United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
The airline will also maintain its direct services to six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver.
This is the latest route adjustment by the Tata Group-owned carrier as it seeks to optimise its international network during a period of constrained fleet availability. Earlier this year, Air India temporarily reduced flights following a safety review in the aftermath of a Boeing 787 incident in Ahmedabad in June.
Air India stated that the suspension of the Delhi–Washington route is temporary but did not specify a resumption date, indicating that the service may return once the retrofit programme concludes and operational conditions improve.
