Air India has announced that it will suspend its non-stop flights between Delhi and Washington, DC from 1 September, citing operational challenges and a shortage of available aircraft. The move comes as part of a broader plan to address a fleet shortfall and ongoing route complexities.
Boeing 787 retrofit programme
The airline said that several of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner planes will be unavailable because of a major retrofit programme that started last month. This project, expected to run until the end of 2026, will upgrade 26 Dreamliners with modern avionics, improved components, and refreshed interiors. Air India noted that the $400 million programme is aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and improving aircraft reliability, but the work will require extended downtime for each plane.
Impact of Pakistani airspace closure
According to the airline, the decision was also influenced by the continued closure of Pakistani airspace. This has led to longer flight routes and increased operational complexity for long-haul services, making the Delhi to Washington route more difficult to sustain.
Passenger rebooking plans
Travellers holding tickets for the Delhi to Washington service beyond 1 September will be offered rebooking on alternative flights or full refunds. Air India will route affected passengers through New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco with the help of interline partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. This arrangement will allow passengers to complete their journey on a single itinerary with through-checked baggage.
Other North American services continue
Despite this suspension, Air India will maintain non-stop flights to six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver. The airline has confirmed that all its Dreamliners have passed safety inspections following a fatal 787-8 crash in June on a London-bound flight, which claimed nearly all lives on board and caused fatalities on the ground.
Long-term benefits expected
Air India believes that once the retrofit and reliability enhancement work is complete, it will reduce disruptions and strengthen the overall stability of its route network.
