Air India has announced it will suspend its direct flights between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting September 1. The airline cited a combination of factors for the decision, including a shortage of aircraft due to a planned retrofit program and the continued closure of Pakistani airspace.
The Impact of Airspace Closure and Fleet Upgrades
The airline is currently undertaking a $400 million retrofit program to upgrade its fleet of Boeing 787-8 planes. This process will keep multiple aircraft out of service until at least late 2026, leading to a temporary fleet shortfall.
Compounding this issue is the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers. The ban, which has been in place since April 2025, forces Air India’s long-haul flights to North America to take longer, more complex routes. This rerouting adds to operational complexity and is estimated to cost the airline $600 million over a 12-month period.
Passenger Options and Airline’s Outlook
Passengers booked on the suspended New Delhi-Washington route after September 1 will be offered rebooking on other flights or full refunds. Air India will continue to offer one-stop connections to Washington, D.C., through its interline partners, which include Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These flights will have layovers in other major U.S. cities like New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Despite the suspension of this specific route, Air India is confident in its ability to manage its network. The airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, stated last week that international operations are expected to be fully restored by October 1, 2025, after a temporary “Safety Pause” for additional inspections following a June crash.
