Air India will discontinue its Delhi to Washington D.C. flight service starting September 1, 2025. This strategic decision comes as the airline manages its fleet and navigates operational constraints. The primary driver is the ongoing upgrade of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which will take place through the end of 2026, affecting the availability of its fleet.
Additionally, the closure of Pakistani airspace has created operational hurdles for long-distance routes. Passengers with reservations for travel after September 1, 2025, will be offered alternative travel arrangements or full refunds. While direct flights are suspended, travelers can still reach Washington D.C. by utilizing Air India’s partnerships with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These routes include connecting flights through JFK (New York), Newark, Chicago, or San Francisco. Air India continues to offer non-stop services to six cities in North America, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
Air India has faced further challenges following the Ahmedabad plane crash. The incident led to scrutiny of Indian aviation safety protocols and Air India’s safety standards. The flight, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London, suffered a major accident on June 12, 2025, with 279 fatalities, including 241 passengers and crew members.
As a consequence of the accident, Air India briefly suspended its international operations. The DGCA audit revealed 100 operational deficiencies at Air India, with 7 posing significant safety risks. Air India has accepted the findings and committed to corrective actions. The DGCA initiated comprehensive safety assessments of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, encompassing inspections of the GEnx engines and other important systems. The accident has had a detrimental effect on Air India’s standing, once regarded as a national emblem. N. Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of the Tata Group, described the incident as the most regrettable event of his tenure.
