Delhi to Washington Flights Halted by Air India from September 2025

In a move that underscores the ongoing challenges in global aviation, Air India has announced the suspension of its direct flights between Delhi and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Effective September 1, 2025, the route will be halted, leaving passengers to seek alternative options. This decision comes amid a combination of fleet constraints and geopolitical factors, highlighting the complexities airlines face in maintaining long-haul operations. 

Background on the Route

Air India launched its Delhi-Washington Dulles service in 2017, marking a significant expansion into the U.S. market. The route was operated five times per week using Boeing 777 aircraft, providing a vital direct link for business travelers, tourists, and the Indian diaspora in the Washington, D.C., area. Over the years, it has been a key part of Air India's U.S. network, which also includes flights to San Francisco, New York-JFK, Chicago O'Hare, and Newark.

The inaugural flight in 2017 was celebrated as a milestone, connecting India's capital with the U.S. political hub without the need for stopovers. However, the aviation landscape has evolved, with disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and international tensions affecting route viability.

Reasons for the Suspension

The primary drivers behind this suspension are twofold: aircraft retrofitting and airspace restrictions.

1. Aircraft Shortages from Major Retrofit

• Fleet Modernization: Air India began an extensive retrofit of 26 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft in July 2025. This process will keep many planes out of circulation until at least the end of 2026, causing a planned shortfall in available long-haul aircraft.

• Passenger Experience: The retrofit aims to upgrade seating, cabin amenities, and safety features to align with global standards.

2. Pakistan Airspace Closure

• Rerouted Flights: Since April 2025, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines, forcing Air India to add lengthy detours or technical halts (e.g., Vienna) on several Western routes.

• Operational Complexity: Longer flight paths mean more fuel, crew hours, operational costs, and difficulties in scheduling. The Delhi–Washington route was hit especially hard, converting what had been a direct flight to a one-stop service and, ultimately, suspension.

Impact on Passengers and Alternatives

• Customer Care: Air India has announced that affected passengers will be contacted and offered rebooking on alternate flights or full refunds.

• Alternative Routes: Travelers to Washington, D.C., can book itineraries with layovers at New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, or San Francisco, partnering with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Baggage can be checked through to the final destination.

• Other North American Routes Operational: Non-stop flights to six other North American cities (including Toronto and Vancouver) will continue.