Air India to suspend Delhi-Washington flights from September 1

Dubai: Air India said on Monday that it will suspend its non-stop flight services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025.

The decision comes amid operational challenges including a planned shortfall in the airline’s fleet due to its ongoing retrofit of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which began last month, and continued airspace restrictions.

"This extensive retrofit programme, aimed at significantly enhancing customer experience, necessitates a prolonged unavailability of multiple aircraft at any given time until at least end of 2026," Air India said in a statement.

"That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity."

Passengers with bookings on the Delhi-Washington route beyond September 1 will be contacted by Air India. Options will include rebooking on alternative flights or receiving full refunds.

Despite this suspension, Air India maintains one-stop flight options to Washington, D.C., via four U.S. gateways: New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco. These connections are provided through partnerships with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, allowing through-checked baggage on single itineraries.

Air India will also continue to operate direct flights from India to six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.