Air India also cited the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, which has led to longer flight routings and increased operational challenges for its long-haul services.
BY PC Bureau
Air India will suspend its non-stop service between Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting September 1, as part of efforts to maintain the “reliability and integrity” of its overall route network.
The airline said the decision stems from a planned fleet shortage, with 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft undergoing a major retrofit program launched last month. The upgrades, aimed at significantly improving passenger experience, will keep several planes out of service at any given time until at least the end of 2026.
#BREAKING: Air India today announced the suspension of its services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025, due to a combination of operational factors, to ensure the reliability and integrity of Air India’s overall route network. pic.twitter.com/DqU0uGEkpK
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 11, 2025
The carrier also pointed to the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, which forces longer flight routes and adds operational challenges to its long-haul services.
Affected passengers will be contacted directly and offered alternatives, including rebooking on other flights or a full refund.
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While the non-stop link will end, travelers can still reach Washington, D.C., via one-stop connections through New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, or San Francisco. These routes will be supported by Air India’s interline partners — Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines — enabling single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage.
Air India will continue operating non-stop flights from India to six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver.
