In Shorts
- Delhi–Washington direct flights to stop from September 1, 2025.
- Shortage of Boeing 787-8 aircraft due to retrofit program.
- Pakistani airspace closure forcing longer, less efficient routes.
New Delhi, August 11, 2025 – Air India has announced it will suspend its nonstop flights between Delhi and Washington, D.C., from September 1, 2025. The decision is driven by operational challenges, including a significant reduction in available aircraft and restrictions on flight routes.
A key factor is the ongoing retrofit of 26 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, part of a large-scale cabin modernization project. These upgrades, aimed at improving passenger comfort and in-flight experience, have temporarily grounded a large portion of the fleet. With fewer aircraft available, the airline has been forced to prioritize routes where nonstop connectivity is essential.
Adding to the challenge is the closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian carriers. The restriction has been in place for years, forcing Air India’s U.S.-bound flights to take longer detours via Europe. This not only increases flight times and fuel costs but also limits scheduling flexibility, making the Washington route particularly difficult to maintain.
Passengers already booked on flights after September 1 will be contacted by Air India. They can opt for rebooking on alternative one-stop connections through cities like New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco via partner airlines, or request a full refund.
Despite the suspension, Air India will continue to operate nonstop flights from India to other key North American destinations, including Toronto, Vancouver, and major U.S. hubs. The move is part of a broader effort to maintain service reliability while managing limited aircraft availability during the fleet upgrade program.
This decision reflects the delicate balance between modernization and operational demands, as Air India works toward a stronger global presence under its ongoing transformation plan.
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