Air India Delhi–Washington nonstop route shuts down September 1; here's how to claim your refund before the service halt
Why the suspension is happening
The primary factor behind the decision is a planned shortage in Air India's long-haul fleet. The airline began retrofitting 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month to enhance passenger experience, a process expected to continue until late 2026. Multiple aircraft will remain out of service at any time during the programme.
Air India to suspend Delhi-Washington flights from September 1 due to operational factors: Statement. pic.twitter.com/4EPDpvf3yR
Compounding the challenge is the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, in effect since 2019, which forces Indian carriers to take longer routes on certain international sectors, particularly to the United States. These detours increase flying time, fuel consumption, and limit scheduling flexibility, making non-stop services to certain destinations more difficult to operate.
Impact on passengers and alternative routes
Passengers with bookings on Delhi–Washington flights beyond September 1, 2025, will be directly contacted by Air India. The airline will offer them the choice of full refunds or rebooking on alternative flights.
'Customers with Air India bookings to or from Washington, D.C. beyond September 1, 2025 will be contacted and offered alternative travel arrangements, including rebooking on other flights or full refunds, as per their individual preferences,' said the airline.
While the direct service will be suspended, travellers can still reach Washington, D.C., with one-stop connections via Air India's existing US gateways in New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO). These connections will be supported through partnerships with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Air India's North America operations to continue
Despite the suspension of the Delhi–Washington route, Air India will maintain its non-stop services between India and six destinations in North America. This includes flights to Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, as well as other US cities.
According to the airline, this decision allows it to optimise available aircraft resources during the retrofit period, ensuring continued connectivity to key markets while upgrading its fleet.
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