Aircraft Shortage Forces Route Halt
Air India has announced it will suspend its nonstop service between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025. The airline cited a shortage of aircraft as the primary reason, stemming from ongoing retrofitting of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the prolonged closure of Pakistan’s airspace to certain Indian carriers.
Retrofitting Program and Airspace Restrictions
The retrofitting program is part of Air India’s cabin upgrade initiative, which temporarily removes several Boeing 787 aircraft from service. At the same time, Pakistan’s continued airspace restrictions have forced the airline to reroute flights to the U.S., increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.
“Operating long-haul flights without direct access to Pakistan’s airspace has added significant complexity,” an Air India spokesperson said.
Air India to Suspend Delhi–Washington Non-Stop Flights: Passenger Options and Refunds
The airline confirmed that passengers holding confirmed tickets for the Delhi–Washington route after September 1 will be given the option to rebook on alternate U.S.-bound flights or receive a full refund.
Air India assured travelers that it is working to restore the route “as soon as operational conditions improve,” though no restart date has been announced.
