New Delhi (TDI): Air India announced on Monday that it will suspend its direct flights between New Delhi and Washington, DC, effective September 1.
The decision comes amid an aircraft shortage caused by planned upgrades to its aging Boeing fleet and the ongoing closure of Pakistan’s airspace.
This suspension adds to the challenges facing Air India, which is already under increased regulatory scrutiny following a tragic crash in Ahmedabad in June that claimed 260 lives.
The airline cited both the reduction in available aircraft due to a $400 million retrofit program and the continued airspace restrictions over Pakistan as key factors affecting its long-haul flight operations.
Read More: Air India Jet Skids Off Runway in Mumbai Amid Heavy Rain
The airspace closure has forced longer flight routes, increasing operational costs and complexity.
Earlier reports estimated that the Pakistan airspace ban could cost Air India up to $600 million over a 12-month period.
The closure of airspace between India and Pakistan followed a sharp deterioration in relations after a deadly attack on civilians in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which escalated into the most severe fighting between the two neighbors in years. India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, a claim Islamabad denies.
Read More: Air India Flight Crashes Near Ahmedabad, Dozens Dead
Air India assured passengers that those traveling to Washington will still have alternative options via connecting flights through cities like New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco.
These routes will be operated in partnership with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
