Air India on Monday said it will suspend its non-stop services between Delhi and Washington, D.C, effective September 1, 2025, citing operational constraints linked to ongoing fleet upgrades and airspace restrictions.
The decision is driven by a planned shortfall in its fleet as it undertakes a retrofit of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, a programme launched last month and expected to run until at least the end of 2026, the airline stated.
The upgrades are aimed at improving customer experience but will keep multiple aircraft out of service at any given time.
In addition, the continued closure of Pakistani airspace has resulted in longer flight routings and greater operational complexity for Air India’s long-haul network.
What if anyone has booked flight tickets?
Passengers with bookings on the Delhi–Washington route beyond September 1 will be contacted and offered alternatives, including rebooking on other flights or full refunds.
Air India said travellers can continue to reach Washington, D.C. via one-stop connections through its US gateways in New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco, in partnership with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These arrangements allow passengers to book a single itinerary and check baggage through to their final destination.
The airline will maintain non-stop services between India and six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver.
