Air India Halts Delhi–Washington Nonstops Amid Fleet Upgrades

Starting September 1, 2025, Air India will suspend its nonstop flights between New Delhi (DEL) and Washington Dulles (IAD).

The suspension comes as the airline undertakes a $400 million retrofit program for 26 Boeing 787-8s, part of the initiative led by Tata Group and launched in late 2024 to modernize its aging fleet.

Currently, 15 of the 27 aircraft have been upgraded, with 3–4 more expected each month. Upgrades include refreshed cabins, improved seating, and new livery.

This overhaul is pulling multiple aircraft out of service and will continue through at least the end of 2026.

Air India will continue services to Washington via one-stop connectivity through US hubs such as New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO), in partnership with Alaska, United, and Delta.

Flights to other North American destinations such as Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR) remain unaffected.

At the same time, Air India plans to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila, starting October 1, 2025.

Cover photo by John McArthur on Unsplash