Flight delays and cancellations have surged to record highs across major airlines and prominent airports in recent months, disrupting travel plans for thousands of people in desperate need of a vacation.
Now, another airline has just been added to the growing list of disruptions.
Air India will suspend all direct flights between New Delhi (DEL) and Washington, D.C. (IAD), beginning in September 2025. This suspension means that, for the time being, no Indian airline will operate direct flights between the two capitals.
Related: American Airlines responds to alarming flight cancellation rumors
The decision is part of a broader disruption affecting Air India’s long-haul operations and schedules.
A primary factor behind the cancellations is the ongoing upgrade of the 26 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which has led to a shortage of available planes. These revamps are expected to continue through at least the end of 2026, limiting the airline’s international capacity.
Air India suspends flights between New Delhi and Washington, D.C.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Air India’s flight suspension impacts thousands of passengers
This alarming move follows the tragic crash of Air India Flight 17 in June, involving a Boeing (BA) 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad Airport in India to London Gatwick Airport in the UK. The crash claimed the lives of 260 passengers and had a significant impact on the airline’s operations and safety protocols.
This tragedy, combined with ongoing fleet limitations, has only intensified pressure on the airline’s long-haul services.
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Air India will contact passengers who have booked flights from Delhi to Washington, D.C., for dates after September 1, 2025, to provide information about alternative travel options.
In the meantime, the airline will offer rerouted travel via major U.S. hubs, including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO) in partnership with Alaska Airlines (ALK) , United Airlines (UAL) , and Delta Air Lines (DAL) .
India suffers from ongoing geopolitical and trade complications
The unexpected suspension also comes at a tumultuous time for the country. Pakistan recently banned Indian airlines from using its airspace, significantly increasing flight times, operating costs, and logistical complexity for Indian carriers.
This ban has been considered a retaliatory move following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April, an incident India blamed on Pakistan, which has denied involvement. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in May, the long-standing tensions between the two nations remain unresolved, casting uncertainty over regional air travel.
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As if India didn’t already have enough to deal with, relations between the U.S. and India have only gotten more strained following the Trump administration’s recent decision to impose a 50% tariff on the country’s goods.
This includes a 10% base duty, a 25% reciprocal tariff, and an additional 25% penalty tariff for India purchasing Russian oil.
These high tariffs further complicate political and economic relations, which could affect international operations, including flights and trade.
Despite the mounting challenges, Air India will continue maintaining U.S. flight connectivity and has not shared any plans to stop them altogether.
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