Air India Pauses Delhi–Washington Non-Stops Amid Fleet Shortage

Air India will suspend its direct flights between Delhi and Washington starting September 1, 2025, due to a shortage of wide-body aircraft. The airline is in the middle of a major retrofit of its Boeing 787-8 fleet, a project delayed by supply-chain issues. For travelers in Tier 2 cities, this change could mean longer connections and more complicated rebooking just as global travel was becoming smoother.

The suspension is linked to upgrades on 26 Boeing 787-8 planes, aimed at improving passenger comfort and in-flight amenities. With a large portion of the fleet grounded for refurbishment until late 2026, the airline is prioritizing available aircraft for other high-demand routes.

Passengers booked on the Delhi–Washington route will be offered alternative one-stop flights via cities like New York, Newark, Chicago, or San Francisco. Air India says customers can choose flexible rebooking options or request full refunds.

While direct flights to Washington are being paused, Air India will continue nonstop services to other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver. However, the disruption underscores how quickly route availability can shift, especially when airlines are balancing upgrades with operational needs.

For travelers from smaller cities, the suspension adds extra steps to their journey. Longer layovers, multiple connections, and increased travel time could become the norm until the service resumes.

The decision reflects both the challenges of maintaining a modern fleet and the growing importance of dependable international air links for India’s global connectivity.