Air India Halts Delhi-Washington Flights Amid Fleet, Airspace Issues

Air India will suspend its nonstop service between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting in September, citing aircraft shortages and the ongoing Pakistan airspace ban. The move will leave no direct flights between the two capitals operated by an Indian carrier.

The airline, owned by the Tata Group since 2022, is retrofitting 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft to improve passenger experience, reducing available planes until late 2026. “The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet,” the airline said, noting that the continued closure of Pakistan’s airspace further impacts long-haul operations.

Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers following heightened tensions after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. New Delhi has accused Islamabad of supporting the attack, a claim Pakistan denies. The closure forces Air India to take longer, costlier routes, with losses estimated at $600 million annually.

The decision also comes amid broader challenges for Air India, including increased regulatory scrutiny after a June crash in Ahmedabad involving one of its Boeing aircraft that killed 260 people.

Passengers affected by the suspension will be offered alternative itineraries to Washington via partner airlines, with connections through New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco. Partners include Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Air India’s suspension underscores the strain on its international network from both operational upgrades and geopolitical restrictions, as the carrier works to modernize its fleet while navigating complex regional airspace rules.