Air India is set to suspend its flight operations from Delhi to Washington D.C. from September 1, 2025. This decision reflects ongoing challenges the airline is facing, primarily revolving around fleet management and route efficiency. Two key factors prompted this action. First, the upgrade of Air India’s 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft fleet is underway. This project limits aircraft availability until the end of 2026.
Second, operational difficulties stem from Pakistan’s closed airspace, impacting long-haul routes. Passengers with bookings scheduled after September 1, 2025, will be contacted and offered either the option of rebooking or a complete refund. Passengers can still reach Washington D.C. via connecting flights on partner airlines such as Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, through hubs like JFK (New York), Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco. Air India will continue to operate non-stop flights to six North American cities, including Toronto and Vancouver.
The Ahmedabad plane crash has significantly impacted Air India’s reputation. The incident brought the safety standards within the Indian aviation industry and Air India under critical review. The flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed on June 12, 2025, resulting in 279 fatalities, which included 241 passengers and crew members.
In the wake of the accident, Air India temporarily paused its international flight operations. A Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) audit identified 100 operational deficiencies within Air India, with seven categorized as serious safety risks. Air India acknowledged these problems and has committed to implementing necessary changes. The DGCA initiated thorough safety inspections for Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, involving checks of GEnx engines and other crucial systems. The disaster severely undermined the public image of Air India, previously esteemed as a national asset. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, called the accident the most sorrowful event of his career.