Air India announced temporary closure of Delhi-Washington DC Flights from 1 September. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Retrofit Program, Pakistan Airspace Closure and Operational Factors became the reason. Passengers will get the option of rebooking and refund.
Air India Delhi Washington Flights: Air India has announced to temporarily shut down its direct flights between Delhi to Washington DC from 1 September. The airline said that the decision has been taken due to several operational factors including the impact of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Retrophit Program and the closure of Pakistan’s Aircraft (Pakistan Airspace).
Fleet Shortfall from Boeing 787-8 Retrofit Program
Air India reported that it introduced its 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft Retrofit Program last month, due to which many aircraft would be out of service for a long time. This program is to improve customer experience and increase confidence. In this, avionics and critical components will be upgraded according to Industry Standards. This process will run till the end of 2026.
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Long distance flight affected by Pakistan airspace closure
The airline said that the closure of Pakistan’s aircraft has increased the time of flights on long distance routes and has also increased operational complexity. This has made more difficult to operate Delhi-Washington Route.
Strict investigation after Ahmedabad plane crash
The decision came two months after that deadly accident, when Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamline was crashed soon after the takeoff in Ahmedabad (Ahmedabad). In the accident, 242 passengers and only one of the crew saved their lives while about 20 people were killed on the ground. After the accident, many critical checks including Fuel Switch of all Dreamliner aircraft were made.
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Rebooking and refund option for passengers
Passengers who have booked for delhi-washington DC flights after 1 September, will be contacted by AIR India and will be given the option of rebooking, alternate routes or full refund.
Passengers will still have the option to go to Washington via One-stop flights which will be available through New York, Newark (EWR), Chicago and San Francisco through AIR India Interline Partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Delta AIR Lines.
North America Routes will continue
Air India said that it will continue non-stop flights between India and North America’s six destinations-Toronto and Vancouver of Canada.