Air India will halt its nonstop flights between Delhi and Washington, D.C. from September 1, 2025, citing a shortage of widebody aircrafts as its legacy fleet undergoes a major retrofit. The route currently operated five times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliners due to lower passenger loads than the other North American routes.
Passengers booked beyond this date will be offered alternative travel options, including rebooking on other routes or full refunds. The airline attributed the suspension to the ongoing refurbishment of 26 Boeing 787-8s, part of a $400 million fleet-upgrade programme aimed at enhancing the inflight experience. The first aircraft entered Boeing’s Victorville facility in July, with another set to follow in October; both are expected back in service by December.
The upgraded jets will feature new three-class cabins, modern IFE systems, redesigned galleys and lavatories, and refreshed interiors.
With Pakistan’s airspace closure continuing to extend flight times on U.S. routes, Air India will instead offer one-stop connections to Washington via New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco through partnerships with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Nonstop services will continue between India and six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
