Air India, the largest operator on the USA-India corridor, will cut Washington flights amid operational challenges and aircraft shortages. After reducing frequencies of flights to major international destinations, Air India is removing Washington from its service. Earlier there were speculations that Air India Washington flights may be cut from summer 2026. The airline today shared a press release confirming the suspension of its Washington service.
Air India was the only airline offering nonstop flights between Washington and India. No other carrier is offering nonstop services to any Indian city from the US capital. Air India currently operates three weekly flights via Vienna, down from five before June. However, this service will end on September 1, 2025. And a quick search shows no Air India flights from Washington to Delhi available beyond that date.
What will happen to Air India passengers with confirmed Washington flights after September 1?
Air India passengers holding reservations for travel on this route beyond September 1, 2025 will be directly contacted by the airline. They will have the option to be rebooked on other services or to receive a full refund, depending on their preference.
Air India Reduces Frequency of US Flights
Not only in the USA and Canada, but across most routes, Air India reduced the frequency of its international and domestic flights, citing operational challenges after the tragic crash. Between June 21 and mid-July, long-haul flights were cut by up to 15%. Some routes resumed from August 1, but key US sectors may stay reduced until at least September 30.
Air India Washington flights dropped from 5 to 3 weekly flights in June, while Delhi to Chicago was cut from 7 to just 3, later rising to 4 in August. Other Air India US flight reductions include Delhi-San Francisco, down from 10 to 7 weekly flights. While Air India flights on Delhi-New York JFK (6), Delhi-Newark (4), and Mumbai-New York JFK (6) routes continue to operate on their existing frequencies. Despite these cuts, Air India still operates over 525 international flights weekly across 63 global routes, including the US.
Alternate Routes for Washington
After Air India drops Washington from its schedule, travelers from the US capital to India may face challenges. Currently, no other airline operates a nonstop service on this route. The Indian Eagle customer service team can help in booking one-stop flights from Washington to India with British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, or Turkish Airlines.
Due to recent airspace closures, Air India Washington flights now include a fuel stop in Vienna instead of operating nonstop. But as the route will be suspended from September 1, passengers can explore alternate airlines offering one-stop flights from Washington to India.
Although the Air India fleet includes some of the most advanced aircraft, the airline is facing operational challenges due to delayed deliveries. Will Air India bounce back from these setbacks and stay on its growth path? If you’re an Air India passenger, share your thoughts in the comments.
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