Airline Company Air India will halt operations on the Delhi-Washington route starting from September 1.
Air India has announced that it will be suspending its non-stop flight services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025. The primary reason for this decision is a planned shortfall in the airline's fleet due to the ongoing retrofit of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
The retrofit program, aimed at enhancing customer experience, will lead to prolonged unavailability of multiple aircraft until at least the end of 2026. This fleet shortage has forced Air India to make difficult decisions, including the suspension of its long-haul non-stop route between Delhi and Washington, D.C.
In addition to the fleet shortage, the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan is adding to the operational challenges. The closure results in longer flight routings and increased operational complexity, including mandatory refueling stops.
Alternative Options for Affected Passengers
Passengers with bookings on the Delhi-Washington route beyond September 1 will be contacted by Air India. The airline is offering two options for affected passengers: rebooking on alternative flights or receiving full refunds.
Instead of direct flights, passengers can travel to Washington, D.C. via one-stop flights through U.S. gateways including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO). These connecting flights are offered through Air India's interline partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, allowing passengers to travel on a single itinerary with baggage checked through to the final destination.
Continued Services to Other North American Destinations
Despite the suspension of non-stop flight services to Washington, D.C., Air India will continue to operate direct flights from India to six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
Passengers travelling to Washington, D.C. via one-stop flights will find options available through four U.S. gateways: New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco. Through-checked baggage is available on single itineraries for these connections.
The suspension of the non-stop flight services is likely to impact travel plans for passengers between Delhi and Washington, D.C. from September 1, 2025. Air India encourages affected passengers to closely monitor their bookings and contact the airline for further information or to discuss alternative travel arrangements.
[1] Air India Press Release, "Air India Announces Temporary Suspension of Non-Stop Delhi-Washington, D.C. Services," August 1, 2025. [2] Air India Press Release, "Air India Begins Fleet Retrofit Program for Boeing 787-8 Aircraft," July 1, 2025. [3] IATA, "Air India Fleet Information," accessed August 1, 2025. [4] FAA, "Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for Pakistan Airspace," accessed August 1, 2025. [5] BBC News, "Pakistan Airspace Remains Closed Amid Tensions with India," June 28, 2025.
- Due to the suspension of non-stop flight services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., Air India passengers will need to consider alternative options, such as traveling via one-stop flights through U.S. gateways like New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO).
- In addition to the Delhi-Washington route, Air India will continue to provide direct flights from India to six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
- The prolonged unavailability of aircraft due to the retrofit of Boeing 787-8 aircraft for customer experience enhancement and the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan have contributed to operational challenges faced by Air India in the aviation industry.
- Passengers with bookings beyond September 1 on the Delhi-Washington route will be contacted by Air India. They can either rebook on alternative flights or opt for full refunds if they wish to delay their travel plans, which may affect their lifestyle and travel itineraries.
