New Delhi, August 11, 2025 — Air India announced today that it will suspend its non-stop flights between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025. The decision comes in response to a combination of operational factors, including a shortage of available aircraft due to the ongoing retrofit of its Boeing 787-8 fleet and the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, which has necessitated longer flight routes.
The airline’s retrofit program, aimed at enhancing passenger experience, involves upgrading 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. This process has led to a temporary reduction in fleet capacity, impacting long-haul operations. Additionally, the closure of Pakistani airspace, implemented since April, has forced Air India to reroute flights, resulting in longer travel times and increased operational costs. For instance, Flight AI103, which previously flew directly over the Arctic, now makes a stop in Vienna, extending the flight duration from 15 to approximately 19 hours.
In a statement, Air India emphasized that the suspension is a strategic decision to ensure the reliability and integrity of its overall route network. The airline assured passengers that those with bookings on the affected route will be contacted and offered alternative travel arrangements, including rebooking on other flights or full refunds, as per their individual preferences.
Despite the suspension of the Delhi-Washington non-stop service, Air India will continue to operate flights to other U.S. cities, including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO), through interline agreements with U.S. carriers such as Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Passengers can still reach Washington, D.C., via these connecting flights.
The suspension of the Delhi-Washington route marks a significant change in Air India’s international operations. The airline had launched this direct service in 2017, initially operating three times a week, which was later increased to five times a week. The route had become a key link between the capitals of India and the United States.
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Air India has not specified a timeline for the resumption of the Delhi-Washington flights. The airline indicated that the service could remain suspended well into the next year, depending on the resolution of the operational challenges.
Passengers affected by the suspension are advised to contact Air India directly or visit the airline’s official website for more information and assistance with rebooking or refunds.