Air India Passengers to Washington Redirected via New York, Chicago, San Francisco
India’s national carrier, Air India, has announced it will suspend flights between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting September 1.
The airline stated on Monday that the decision was driven by a shortage of aircraft due to an ongoing plan to upgrade its aging Boeing fleet, coupled with the continued closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines.
The suspension marks another setback for Air India, which is already under strict regulatory oversight. Scrutiny intensified following a deadly accident in Ahmedabad in June that claimed 260 lives.
Air India explained that the reduced fleet and restricted airspace have disrupted its long-haul operations, forcing longer routes and adding operational complexities. To modernize its aircraft, the carrier has launched a $400 million retrofit program aimed at upgrading cabins and systems.
India and Pakistan closed their airspace to each other after an attack on tourists in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir, severely strained bilateral relations. The incident triggered the worst clashes between the two nations in decades. New Delhi accused Islamabad of orchestrating the attack—a claim Pakistan denied.
The continued airspace closure has particularly affected flights to North America, as rerouting adds hours to travel time and increases fuel and crew costs.
Air India confirmed that passengers booked on the Delhi–Washington route will be offered alternative travel options. These include connecting flights via New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco, with onward travel to Washington, D.C., facilitated through Air India’s interline partners—Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Despite the setback, Air India emphasized its commitment to maintaining connectivity between India and the United States, even if it means relying on partner airlines until operational conditions improve. The carrier expressed hope that geopolitical tensions would ease and allow a resumption of direct services in the future.
