NEW DELHI- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has announced the suspension of its non-stop flights between Delhi (DEL) and Washington, DC (IAD) starting September 1, 2025. The decision stems from operational constraints linked to fleet availability and route complexity.
The airline cites the unavailability of several Boeing 787-8 aircraft undergoing retrofits and the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace as key reasons. These factors impact long-haul efficiency, leading to changes in network planning.
Photo: Mumbai Planes | Siddh DhuriAir India Ends Delhi to Washington Flights
Air India began retrofitting 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft in July 2025 to upgrade cabin interiors, improve passenger comfort, and modernize in-flight systems.
This project will continue until late 2026, resulting in multiple aircraft being unavailable for extended periods. The upgrades are part of a strategic initiative to enhance service standards across the fleet.
In addition to the fleet shortage, the continued closure of Pakistan’s airspace forces the rerouting of flights to and from the US, adding distance, fuel costs, and operational complexity.
This combination has made the Delhi to Washington route unsustainable in its current form.
Photo: By byeangel from Tsingtao, China – VT-ANM | Air India | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | ICN, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39849225Alternate Travel Options
Customers booked on Delhi to Washington flights after September 1, 2025, will receive direct communication from Air India.
Options include rebooking on other flights, alternative routings via US gateways, or full refunds.
Travelers can still reach Washington, DC, on one-stop itineraries via New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO).
Air India’s interline agreements with Alaska Airlines (AS), United Airlines (UA), and Delta Air Lines (DL) allow passengers to travel under a single booking with through checked baggage.
Continued North American Operations
Despite the suspension, Air India maintains its commitment to North American connectivity.
The airline will continue non-stop services from India to New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR). These routes remain key to Air India’s transcontinental network strategy.
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