Air India to Suspend New Delhi-Washington Dulles Route Starting September 1
Starting September 1, Air India will suspend its New Delhi to Washington Dulles flight route. This route has been operational three times a week with a stop in Vienna since mid-June. Prior to this adjustment, Air India offered a nonstop service connecting the Indian capital directly to Dulles International Airport.
The airline announced that the suspension is necessary due to a fleet shortage. Currently, several Boeing 787-8 aircraft are undergoing modernization, which includes the introduction of upgraded interiors and new business class suites. Air India expects that many of these aircraft will remain unavailable until at least the end of 2026.
Impact of Pakistani Airspace Closure
Adding to the complexity of operations between New Delhi and the U.S. is the closure of Pakistani airspace. This closure, which began in early May, has led to increased flight times, further complicating scheduling for Air India and other Indian airlines.
Recent Tragedy and Service Adjustments
Although Air India did not cite any decline in demand following the tragic crash of Flight 171 on June 12, the airline did reduce its service from five to three weekly flights to D.C. after the incident. The crash resulted in the loss of 260 lives, including passengers, crew members, and bystanders. Following this incident, a preliminary report released by India’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau revealed that both fuel cutoff switches of the aircraft had been switched off shortly after takeoff, resulting in increased scrutiny of the pilots.
As Air India navigates these changes and challenges, passengers and stakeholders will be closely watching how the airline adjusts its operations and future service offerings. For more updates on Air India’s flight schedules and services, visit their official website at Air India.
