Fleet retrofit programme and Pakistan airspace closure force suspension; alternatives offered to passengers
Service Suspension Announced
Air India will suspend its non-stop Delhi–Washington, DC flights starting September 1, 2025.
The airline cited a combination of operational factors:
- Planned unavailability of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft due to an extensive retrofit programme.
- Pakistan airspace closure, which has added complexity and extended flight times for long-haul routes.
Reason for the Suspension
In a statement, Air India explained:
- The retrofit programme began last month for 26 Boeing 787-8s.
- The upgrades will run until late 2026, temporarily reducing fleet capacity.
- Work includes enhancing cabin interiors, upgrading avionics, and improving operational reliability under a $400 million modernisation plan announced in December 2022.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers booked on Delhi–Washington flights after September 1 will be:
- Contacted by the airline directly.
- Offered full refunds or rebooking on alternative flights.
- Provided one-stop connections via New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO) through partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines — with through-checked baggage to final destinations.
Other North America Routes Unaffected
Air India will continue operating non-stop flights to:
- New York
- Newark
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Toronto
- Vancouver
Background: Safety Checks & Reliability Programme
The decision follows heightened fleet checks after the June 12 Ahmedabad crash of a London-bound Dreamliner, which killed almost all on board and several on the ground.
Since then, all 26 legacy 787-8s and seven 787-9s underwent safety inspections.
The retrofit aims to:
- Upgrade critical components to the latest industry standards.
- Reduce operational disruptions.
- Improve long-haul reliability and customer experience.
While the Delhi–Washington route remains suspended until at least late 2026, Air India says the fleet upgrades will lead to a more reliable, modern, and passenger-friendly service once completed. The airline maintains that the temporary disruption is essential for long-term network stability and improved customer experience.
