Air India Suspends Delhi-Washington Route

Air India has announced the suspension of its flights between Delhi and Washington, DC, starting September 1. This decision is attributed to a combination of operational factors, primarily the unavailability of several Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft due to an ongoing retrofit programme. The airline aims to ensure the reliability and integrity of its overall route network by temporarily halting this service.

Impact of Fleet Retrofit on Operations

The retrofit programme, which began last month, involves upgrading 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft to enhance customer experience. This initiative requires multiple aircraft to be unavailable at any given time until at least the end of 2026. The airline’s statement emphasized that this planned shortfall in its fleet is a significant reason for the suspension.

Challenges from Airspace Restrictions

In addition to fleet constraints, Air India’s long-haul operations face challenges due to the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan. This situation necessitates longer flight routings, adding complexity to operational logistics.

Alternative Travel Arrangements for Passengers

Passengers with bookings on the affected route beyond September 1 will be contacted by Air India. They will be offered alternative travel options, including rebooking on other flights or receiving full refunds. Travelers can also opt for one-stop flights to Washington, DC, via four US gateways—New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco—through interline partners like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. This arrangement allows passengers to travel on a single itinerary with baggage checked through to their final destination.

Continued Operations in North America

Despite this suspension, Air India will maintain non-stop flights between India and six destinations in North America, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada. The airline is committed to minimizing operational disruptions through its $400 million fleet retrofit programme announced in December 2022. This initiative includes upgrading avionics and other critical components of the legacy B787-8 aircraft to meet the latest industry standards.