Air India will suspend services between Delhi and Washington, DC, from September 1, 2025, with the airline citing operational constraints stemming from ongoing aircraft retrofits and prolonged airspace restrictions over Pakistan.
The move comes as the carrier begins a large-scale retrofit programme of its 787-8 fleet. The initiative, which began last month, will see 26 aircraft undergo upgrades aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
“This extensive retrofit programme, aimed at significantly enhancing customer experience, necessitates a prolonged unavailability of multiple aircraft at any given time until at least end of 2026,” the airline said in a statement. “That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity.”
Air India said customers would still be able to access the US capital via its other US destinations in New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco.
This will be facilitated through the airline’s interline agreements with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines.