New Delhi — Air India has announced it will suspend its non-stop service between Delhi and Washington DC starting September 1, citing a combination of operational challenges and fleet constraints.
The airline said the move is linked to its ongoing retrofit programme for 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which began last month. The large-scale cabin upgrade, aimed at improving passenger experience, will keep multiple aircraft grounded at any given time until at least the end of 2026.
The prolonged closure of Pakistani airspace has further complicated long-haul operations by forcing longer flight paths, increasing travel time and operational costs.
Passengers booked on flights after September 1 will be contacted by Air India and offered alternative travel options, including rebooking on other services or full refunds.
While direct flights to Washington DC will cease, passengers can still reach the US capital via one-stop connections through New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, or San Francisco. Air India’s interline partnerships with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines will allow travellers to complete their journey on a single ticket with baggage checked through to their final destination.
Air India will continue operating non-stop flights to six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
