By Esther Ososanya
Air India will suspend services between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., from September 1, blaming a shortage of aircraft due to planned upgrades to its ageing Boeing fleet and the ongoing closure of Pakistan’s airspace.
The move comes as the airline faces intensified regulatory oversight following a June crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. The carrier said the Pakistan airspace ban, combined with a temporary fleet shortfall, has disrupted long-haul schedules, forcing longer routings and adding operational complexity.
Costly Ban and Fleet Retrofit
Air India is undertaking a $400 million retrofit programme, but earlier estimated the Pakistan airspace closure would cost $600 million over a year. Both countries shut their airspace to each other after relations soured over a deadly attack in Indian Kashmir, triggering the worst cross-border clashes in decades. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad, which has denied the charge.
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The airline said passengers will be offered flights to Washington with layovers at New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco via interline partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
