Air India has announced it will suspend its non-stop flights to Washington DC starting September 1, 2025. This decision comes as the airline undergoes a major retrofit of its Boeing 787-8 fleet. The upgrade project began last month and is expected to continue until the end of 2026.
The retrofit has temporarily reduced the number of available aircraft. This shortage has forced Air India to pause some long-haul routes, including direct flights to Washington DC. The airline faces additional challenges due to the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace. This closure forces longer flight paths, increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Passengers booked on Air India flights to or from Washington DC after September 1, 2025, will be contacted by the airline. They will be offered rebooking options on alternate flights or full refunds if they choose not to travel. Air India assures affected customers that their convenience is a priority during this period.
Despite the suspension of direct flights, Air India will continue to offer one-stop flight options to Washington DC. These flights will connect via major US cities such as New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco. The airline will operate these routes in partnership with carriers like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Air India will also maintain its non-stop services to six other North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver. The airline says the temporary suspension is necessary to ensure passenger safety and improve its fleet’s performance through the retrofit.
Once the upgrade program is complete, Air India plans to resume full services to Washington DC. This move is part of the airline’s broader effort to enhance its fleet and improve service quality.
The airline’s retrofit project is seen as a vital step in modernizing its aircraft and maintaining competitive long-haul routes. Passengers are encouraged to stay updated through official Air India communication channels for any changes to flight schedules.
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