Air India is going to halt its nonstop flights between New Delhi and Washington, DC, starting September, citing aircraft shortages caused by ongoing upgrades to its Boeing fleet and the continued closure of Pakistan’s airspace to Indian carriers.
The move will leave no direct flights between the two capitals operated by an Indian airline, coming at a time of heightened strain in US–India relations, fuelled in part by US President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs on Indian imports.
The carrier, acquired by the Tata Group from the Indian government in 2022, announced on Monday that 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft are being retrofitted to enhance passenger experience — a process expected to limit fleet capacity until at least late 2026.
“The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet,” the airline said. “That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations.”
Airspace restrictions were imposed after relations between India and Pakistan sharply deteriorated following an attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir. Air India has previously estimated that Pakistan’s ban has cost the airline around $600 million in a single year.
The decision also comes as Air India faces increased regulatory scrutiny in the wake of a June crash in Ahmedabad involving one of its Boeing aircraft, which killed 260 people.
During the suspension, passengers traveling to Washington, DC, will be offered alternative connections via New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco through Air India’s partner airlines — Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Top Google search trends about Pakistan
Best gaming phone in Pakistan, bestselling car in Pakistan, most selling car in Pakistan, New range rover price in Pakistan, shortest day of the year in Pakistan, best cigarettes in Pakistan, how to get Luxembourg visa from Pakistan, Nathia Gali from Islamabad, Mercedez Jeep price in Pakistan, 14 August Pakistan independence day, 14 Aug holiday, Italy visa apply from Pakistan, Toyota Crown hybrid price in Pakistan, 2nd marriage law in Pakistan, fashion trends in Pakistan, 20k solar system price in Pakistan, causes of terrorism in Pakistan, MacBook price in Pakistan, Galaxy S26 Series, Xiaomi 16, Snapdragon 8
