Air India to Suspend Delhi-Washington Flights from September 2025 Amid Fleet Shortfall, Operational Challenges

Tata Group-owned Air India has announced the suspension of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025. The airline cited a combination of operational challenges, including a planned fleet shortfall and airspace restrictions, as the reasons behind the decision.

In an official statement issued Monday, Air India said the move is aimed at maintaining the “reliability and integrity” of its overall route network. The decision comes in the wake of growing pressures on the airline's long-haul operations, exacerbated by the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace and the extensive retrofitting of its Boeing 787-8 fleet.

The airline began retrofitting 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month, as part of a major upgrade initiative to enhance passenger experience. However, the programme requires several aircraft to be grounded simultaneously, creating a shortfall expected to last through the end of 2026.

“These unavoidable fleet constraints, combined with longer flight routes necessitated by airspace closures, have added to operational complexities,” the airline noted.

Customers with bookings to or from Washington, D.C., beyond September 1, 2025, will be contacted and offered alternatives, including rebooking on other flights or full refunds, as per their preferences.

Despite the suspension, Air India will continue to offer one-stop services to Washington via New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO) in partnership with interline carriers such as Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These options will allow passengers to book single-itinerary journeys with through-checked baggage.

Air India emphasized its continued commitment to the North American market, confirming that non-stop services will remain operational to six destinations across the region, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

The announcement comes at a time when the airline is grappling with multiple technical issues. Earlier today, an Air India flight from Delhi to Raipur experienced a technical snag, resulting in a tense, hour-long delay on the tarmac. Approximately 160 passengers, including a sitting MLA, were stranded on board without immediate information.

In a separate incident on Sunday, a flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi—carrying several senior political leaders—was forced to make an emergency landing in Chennai due to a suspected radar malfunction. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to investigate both incidents.