Air India has announced it will stop its direct flights between Delhi and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) from September 1, 2025.
The route, which began in 2017, marked Air India’s growing presence in the U.S. It ran five times a week using Boeing 777 aircraft and was popular among business travelers, tourists, and the Indian community in the Washington, D.C. area.
The non-stop flight was praised when launched, but problems like the pandemic, supply delays, and rising operational challenges have made it harder to continue.
Reasons for Suspending the Route
1. Not Enough Aircraft Due to Upgrades
In July 2025, Air India started updating the interiors of 26 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, adding new seats, improved safety systems, and better passenger amenities.
This project will continue until late 2026, which limits the number of planes available for long international routes.
2. Closure of Pakistan’s Airspace
Since April 2025, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian carriers.
As a result, the Delhi–Washington flights now need to detour through Europe with fuel stops, making the journey longer, more expensive, and harder to manage.
What Affected Passengers Should Know
Air India will reach out to affected passengers to offer alternative routes or full refunds.
Those heading to Washington can take Air India flights to New York (JFK), Newark, Chicago, or San Francisco, and then connect to their final destination using partner airlines like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Bags will be checked through to the final destination.
Air India’s Ongoing Operations
Despite this suspension, Air India will continue non-stop flights to six other North American cities, including Toronto and Vancouver, as part of its network changes during fleet upgrades.
The Bigger Picture
This decision shows how airline operations are affected by both internal challenges, like aircraft availability, and external issues, such as geopolitical tensions.
With fewer aircraft and closed air routes making operations more expensive, airlines need to focus on routes that are both profitable and practical.
For now, Air India will concentrate on modernizing its fleet and maintaining its other long-haul services. The airline hopes to restart the Washington flight once conditions improve.
