New Delhi: Air India announced on Monday (August 11) that its direct flights between Delhi and Washington DC will remain suspended from September 1 till further notice. This is due to operational factors aimed at ensuring the reliability and integrity of its overall route network, the airline has said.
“Air India customers will continue to have the options of one-stop flights to Washington DC via four US gateways – New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco – with the airline’s interline partners, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines,” the airline said in a statement.
“This allows customers to travel on a single itinerary with their baggage checked through to the final destination,” it added.
Air India also maintained that its non-stop flights between India and six North American destinations, including the Canadian cities of Toronto and Vancouver, will continue.
According to officials, the suspension in direct services is due to Air India’s ongoing retrofit program for its Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which began last month. The extensive upgrades are designed to enhance passenger experience but will temporarily reduce fleet availability until the end of 2026. Compounding this challenge is the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, which has complicated long-haul operations.
“This decision, while difficult, is necessary to maintain the quality and reliability of our services across the network. We are committed to minimising inconvenience to our passengers and providing alternative travel options through our trusted partners,” a senior Air India official said.
Passengers affected by the suspension will be contacted directly with options for rebooking or full refunds, he said.
With the retrofit program underway, Air India aims to boost customer satisfaction and strengthen its competitive position in the global aviation market. The airline reiterated its commitment to providing robust air travel services despite operational challenges.
