Categories: Travel

Air India Stops Non-Stop Delhi–Washington Flights Amid Aircraft Upgrades, ETTravelWorld

eptember 2025, citing a combination of operational factors as it works to maintain the reliability of its overall route network.

The decision comes as the airline begins an extensive retrofit programme for 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which started last month. The project, aimed at upgrading cabin products and enhancing passenger experience, will see several aircraft out of service at any given time until at least the end of 2026. The continued closure of Pakistani airspace has also added to the challenge, forcing longer routings on certain long-haul operations and increasing operational complexity.

Passengers booked to travel to or from Washington, D.C., after the suspension date will be contacted by Air India to arrange alternative travel, including rebooking on other services or full refunds.

Despite the suspension, Air India customers will still be able to reach the U.S. capital via one-stop connections through New York JFK, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco, using interline partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These arrangements will allow passengers to travel on a single itinerary with through-checked baggage.

Air India has purchased six Boeing 777-300 ER planes previously leased from Etihad Airways, marking its first wide-body aircraft acquisition in over seven years. This move aims to bolster capacity amid supply chain challenges and refurbishment delays affecting its existing fleet. The purchase, executed through AI Fleet Services Ltd, supports Air India’s ambitious five-year transformation plan and network expansion.

The carrier will continue to operate non-stop flights from India to six North American destinations, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.Air India has commenced the widebody retrofit programme for its legacy B787-8 aircraft, with the first of 26 aircraft (VT-ANT) having flown to a Boeing facility in Victorville, California (United States) in July 2025. A second aircraft is scheduled to depart for the same facility in October 2025, with both expected to return to service in December 2025.

The retrofit programme for Air India’s B787-8s, now on a steady schedule for completion by mid-2027, will introduce brand-new interiors featuring a three-class configuration with Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seats.

Starting in early 2027, Air India will additionally retrofit 13 of its legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, aiming for completion by October 2028, with the timeline having shifted due to supply chain delays.