Air India is suspending its direct Delhi-Washington D.C. flight from September 1st. This decision is due to the closure of Pakistan airspace and aircraft retrofitting. Affected passengers will receive rebooking or refunds.
Air India: Air India has recently made a significant decision to suspend direct flights between Delhi and Washington D.C. starting September 1, 2025. This move is attributed to several operational factors, primarily the unavailability of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft and difficulties in flight routes due to the closure of Pakistan's airspace. The company has provided rebooking and refund options for affected passengers.
Why are the direct Delhi-Washington flights being suspended?
Air India has stated that several Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft are currently unavailable in its fleet. Retrofitting work on these aircraft has commenced in July 2025 and will continue until the end of 2026. This retrofitting process will require some aircraft to be grounded for extended periods. This change is necessary for aircraft operations and passenger safety.
Additionally, Pakistan has closed its airspace, which has significantly lengthened the routes for long-haul flights from Delhi to the United States. This is causing difficulties in flight operations and increasing costs. Due to these two reasons, Air India has decided to suspend direct flights between Delhi and Washington D.C.
What is the company's plan for affected passengers?
Air India has clarified that passengers who have booked flights from Delhi to Washington after September 1, 2025, will be contacted. They will either be rebooked on another flight or given a full refund. This arrangement has been made to ensure passenger convenience and maintain trust.
What other options are available for traveling to Washington D.C.?
The good news for passengers is that one-stop flights to Washington D.C. will still be available. These flights connect through major U.S. cities like New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco. Air India has partnered with major American airlines such as Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines for this purpose.
Under this partnership, passengers' luggage will be checked in directly to the final destination, minimizing transfer hassles. In this way, even without a direct flight, efforts are being made to ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience.
Which destinations will continue to have non-stop flights?
Air India has also stated that non-stop flights from Delhi to six major North American cities, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, will continue to operate. Flight services to these destinations will remain uninterrupted, minimizing inconvenience for long-distance travel.
