Air India has decided to discontinue its flight service from Delhi to Washington D.C., with the service ceasing operations from September 1, 2025. This decision stems from two primary factors. Firstly, Air India is in the process of upgrading its 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which will render several planes unavailable for extended periods. This upgrade work is scheduled to continue until the end of 2026.
Secondly, the closure of Pakistani airspace is causing difficulties for long-distance flights. Passengers who have booked flights for dates after September 1, 2025, will be contacted and offered two options: rebooking on an alternative flight or a full refund. Passengers can still reach Washington D.C. via Air India’s interline partners, such as Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, through connecting flights via JFK (New York), Newark, Chicago, or San Francisco. Air India continues to operate non-stop flights to six North American cities, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
The Ahmedabad plane crash has severely impacted Air India’s reputation. The incident raised numerous questions about the Indian aviation system and Air India’s safety procedures. The aircraft, flying from Ahmedabad to London, crashed on June 12, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 279 people, including 241 passengers and crew members.
Following the accident, Air India temporarily suspended its international flights. An audit by the DGCA revealed 100 irregularities in Air India’s operations, with seven related to serious safety risks. Air India acknowledged these shortcomings and pledged to make improvements. The DGCA ordered extensive safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, including inspections of GEnx engines and other critical systems. The accident significantly damaged Air India’s image, which was once considered a source of national pride. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, described the accident as the most tragic event of his career.