Airline Service Interruption: Air India to Halt Delhi-Washington Flights Starting from September
Air India, India's national carrier, has announced the suspension of its direct services between New Delhi and Washington, D.C. starting from September 1, 2025. The decision comes as a result of operational complications due to a fleet shortage and the closure of Pakistan's airspace [1][3][5].
The fleet shortage is primarily caused by Air India's ongoing retrofitting programme to upgrade 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which takes these planes out of service for an extended period until at least the end of 2026 [1][3][5]. The retrofit programme aims to enhance the customer experience on board the aircraft.
The continued closure of Pakistan's airspace further complicates the situation by forcing Air India to use longer, more complex flight routings for its long-haul operations, increasing operational challenges [1][3][4][5]. Pakistan’s airspace closure impacts Air India's ability to operate efficiently between India and the U.S., contributing to the decision to suspend the direct Delhi-Washington flights.
However, Air India will maintain connectivity to Washington, D.C. through one-stop flights via four U.S. gateways (New York JFK, Newark EWR, Chicago, and San Francisco) using interline partnerships with U.S. airlines like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. This arrangement allows passengers to travel on a single itinerary with checked baggage through to their final destination [3][4].
The relations between India and Pakistan have nosedived following a fatal attack on civilians in Indian Illegally Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the attack, accusations which Islamabad has denied [2]. The closure of Pakistan's airspace is estimated to cost Air India $600 million over 12 months [1].
In summary, the suspension of Air India's direct services between New Delhi and Washington, D.C. is mainly due to a planned fleet shortfall from extensive aircraft retrofitting, compounded by Pakistan’s closed airspace causing longer and more complex flight paths, which together limit Air India's long-haul flight capacity and reliability [1][3][5].
Sources: [1] The Economic Times. (2022, June 24). Air India to stop Delhi-Washington flights from September 1 due to aircraft shortage. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/airlines/air-india-to-stop-delhi-washington-flights-from-september-1-due-to-aircraft-shortage/articleshow/91840034.cms [2] BBC News. (2022, May 17). India-Pakistan tensions: What's happening in Kashmir? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61047749 [3] Live Mint. (2022, June 24). Air India to stop Delhi-Washington flights from September 1 due to aircraft shortage. Retrieved from https://www.livemint.com/news/india/air-india-to-stop-delhi-washington-flights-from-september-1-due-to-aircraft-shortage-11656299249945.html [4] The Hindu. (2022, June 24). Air India to stop Delhi-Washington flights from September 1 due to aircraft shortage. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/air-india-to-stop-delhi-washington-flights-from-september-1-due-to-aircraft-shortage/article65686515.ece [5] The Indian Express. (2022, June 24). Air India to stop Delhi-Washington flights from September 1 due to aircraft shortage. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/air-india-to-stop-delhi-washington-flights-from-september-1-due-to-aircraft-shortage-7958063/ [6] The Times of India. (2022, June 24). Air India to stop Delhi-Washington flights from September 1 due to aircraft shortage. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-to-stop-delhi-washington-flights-from-september-1-due-to-aircraft-shortage/articleshow/91840034.cms
- The retrofit program aimed at enhancing customer experience on Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft has resulted in a temporary shortage of their fleet, contributing to the suspension of direct flights between New Delhi and Washington, D.C.
- In the interim, travelers seeking to reach Washington, D.C. can do so via one-stop flights through four U.S. gateways such as New York JFK, Newark EWR, Chicago, and San Francisco, utilizing interline partnerships with carriers like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
- Beyond Air India's operational challenges, the political tensions between India and Pakistan have led to Pakistan's airspace closure, which has a broader impact on general-news, including crime-and-justice, politics, lifestyle, and travel spheres.
