On 11 August 2025, Air India announced it would halt operations between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., from 1 September 2025 due to a lack of available aircraft and the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers, following regional conflict between the two nations.
In a press release, the airline reported the decision was made “due to a combination of operational factors, to ensure the reliability and integrity of Air India’s overall route network.” Acquired by the Tata Group in 2022, the flag carrier said that 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft were being retrofitted to improve passenger experience on board, which, according to the airline, will result in an aircraft shortage until at least the end of 2026.
The suspension also coincides with heightened tensions between the US and India over high tariffs on Indian imports. On 7 August 2025, President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% levy on Indian goods. The move, which was made in response to India’s ongoing importation of Russian oil, will take effect 21 days after its announcement date. This new import tax will increase duties on some Indian exports to as much as 50%, which is among the highest rates imposed on any U.S. trading partner.
Another factor is that some flights to the US were already pushing the limits of their planes’ maximum range. Bypassing Pakistani airspace has required fuel stops, leading to longer and more complex operations, according to the airline’s announcement on Monday. Reuters reported that the airspace ban is projected to cost Air India approximately $600 million (€516 million) over the course of one year.
The decision also follows increased regulatory scrutiny after a plane crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025, involving an Air India Boeing aircraft that resulted in 260 fatalities. According to a report, released a month after the incident, the engines’ fuel supply was cut off, despite the pilots’ unawareness.
The flight connecting New Delhi and Washington, D.C., previously flew a direct route over the Arctic Circle. However, since April 2025, it has required a refuelling stop in Vienna, extending the original 15-hour flight to approximately 19 hours, including a one-hour stop.
25% tariff on India, plus penalty!
— Mangalam Maloo (@blitzkreigm) July 30, 2025
Does he not realize, American companies need Indian consumers more than us needing them?
Our merchandise Exports to the US are much lower than Service exports, of which, even Pharma is an important part.
DJT hitting a hammer on his own foot! pic.twitter.com/X181xOoGb5
According to Air India, customers who have already booked flights with Air India between Delhi and Washington, D.C., for September 1 or later will have two options: they can either get a full refund or rebook their journey on a different flight. The airline also reported that it will continue flying to New York JFK, Newark, Chicago O’Hare, and San Francisco. The carrier has also confirmed that services between India and six North American destinations will continue, including Canadian cities Toronto and Vancouver.
