NEW DELHI, Aug 11: Air India announced it will suspend its direct flights between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting September due to a shortage of aircraft caused by ongoing upgrades to its Boeing fleet and restrictions on using Pakistani airspace.

This suspension marks the end of direct flights between the two capitals operated by an Indian carrier, occurring amid escalating tensions linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s high tariffs on Indian imports.

Since being acquired by the Tata Group in 2022, Air India has been retrofitting 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft to improve customer experience. This process will reduce the availability of planes until at least the end of 2026, the airline explained in a statement.

“The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet,” the statement said. “That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations.”

The closure of airspace between India and Pakistan was enforced shortly after relations between the two countries deteriorated following a deadly attack on civilians in Indian Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of involvement, which Pakistan denies.

According to previous Reuters reports, Air India estimates the ban on using Pakistani airspace will cost the airline around $600 million over a year.

The suspension of flights to Washington also comes as Air India faces increased regulatory scrutiny following a tragic crash of one of its Boeing aircraft in Ahmedabad in June, which resulted in 260 fatalities.

Passengers affected by the suspension will have the option to travel to Washington, D.C. via connecting flights through New York, Newark, Chicago, or San Francisco, offered in partnership with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.