-
-
Air India will suspend its direct flights from New Delhi to Washington, D.C., starting September 1, citing an aircraft shortage and the ongoing closure of Pakistan’s airspace.
The national carrier said its ageing Boeing planes are undergoing a $400 million upgrade programme, which has temporarily reduced available aircraft.
The airline also faces increased costs and operational delays due to longer routes avoiding Pakistani airspace – a problem Air India says could cost $600 million over the next year.
The suspension is the latest blow to Air India, which has been under regulatory scrutiny following a fatal crash in Ahmedabad in June that claimed 260 lives.
Officials say the combined impact of the Pakistan airspace ban and the fleet’s ageing condition has created “significant challenges” in sustaining long-haul operations.
Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers after tensions escalated between the two neighbours over a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
India blamed Pakistan for the attack, while Islamabad denied involvement. Both countries responded by closing their airspace to each other, complicating international flight schedules and forcing longer detours.
Air India’s Boeing fleet, already stretched due to past planning gaps, has seen its international routes disrupted.
The airline said passengers travelling to Washington, D.C., will still have options through connecting flights in New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco via partner airlines Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Despite the suspension, Air India says it remains committed to expanding its fleet and resuming direct Washington services once the aircraft retrofit programme is completed and operational conditions improve. Until then, travellers can expect longer travel times and higher ticket prices on alternative routes.
