New Delhi, August 11 (HS): Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has announced it will halt its direct services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025, citing “multiple operational factors” linked to a major fleet upgrade program.

The suspension comes as the carrier begins an extensive retrofit of 26 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, aimed at significantly enhancing passenger comfort and onboard experience. The large-scale refurbishment will keep several aircraft grounded through late 2026, leading to a temporary capacity crunch.

Industry sources note that the prolonged closure of Pakistani airspace has also added complexity to long-haul operations, forcing longer routings and impacting efficiency.

While nonstop Delhi–Washington services will cease, Air India will continue to offer seamless one-stop connections to the US capital via New York JFK, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco, in partnership with US carriers including Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Checked baggage will be through-tagged to final destinations.

Flights to other North American cities — including Toronto and Vancouver — will operate as scheduled, ensuring continued transcontinental connectivity during the modernization drive.

Air India says the move, though disruptive in the short term, is part of its strategic push to modernize its fleet, boost service quality, and sharpen its global competitive edge.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar