Bad News for Air India Passengers: Delhi–Washington Flights to Stop from September 1
National Desk: Air India has made a major announcement — starting September 1, 2025, the direct flight service between Delhi and Washington D.C., USA will be suspended. The airline says this decision has been taken to ensure better and more punctual operations on its remaining routes.
Why was this decision taken?
Air India cited multiple reasons for this move:
- Aircraft shortage: Last month, the airline began a retrofit program to modernize its fleet of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft. This project will continue until the end of 2026. During this period, several planes will be out of service at the same time, reducing the number of aircraft available for operations.
- Pakistan’s airspace closures: Pakistan’s airspace is frequently shut down. This forces long-haul flights from India to the U.S. to take longer alternative routes, which increases travel time and operating costs. These challenges have also contributed to the decision.
How will passengers be affected?
Passengers who have booked tickets for Delhi–Washington flights after September 1 will either be offered alternative flights or a full refund. Air India has assured that it will soon inform affected travelers about the available options.
While this decision may cause some inconvenience to passengers, the airline believes it will help improve the performance and reliability of its other services.
