Pakistan’s ongoing airspace ban for Indian aircrafts has hit Air India hard, as the airline has suspended its Delhi-Washington, D.C. flights.
Air India announcement is attributed to a combination of aircraft shortages due to ongoing upgrades of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft and the closure of Pakistani airspace, which has disrupted the airline’s long-haul international routes.
The Tata Group-owned airline, privatized in 2022, stated that the fleet reduction, expected to last until at least the end of 2026, is part of efforts to enhance customer experience through aircraft retrofitting.
The suspension leaves no direct flights by an Indian airline between the two capital cities, amid rising geopolitical tensions and U.S. President Donald Trump’s high tariffs on Indian imports.
Air India is also facing increased regulatory scrutiny following a tragic June 2025 crash of one of its Boeing planes in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives.
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) extended the ban on Indian airlines or operators for Pakistan’s airspace till August 23.
Previously, on June 23, Pakistan had extended the airspace ban for Indian airlines till July 23.
Pakistan banned its airspace for all Indian airlines after New Delhi accused Islamabad of the Pahalgam incident on April 22.
As Pakistan called for an international investigation into the incident, India announced unilateral suspension of Indus Waters Treaty and demotion of diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan closed its airspace for all Indian airlines, which caused billions of dollars worth of losses to Indian airlines.
India launched attacks against Pakistani civilians leading to the martyrdom of many innocent people, including women and children.
Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking more than 30 Indian military targets, which led to American intervention and the ultimate Indian acceptance of a ceasefire.
Pakistan has refused to end the airspace ban for Indian airlines, as it is the third time Pakistan has officially issued a revised notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA.
Also read: “Where is the Evidence?”: Indian Air Chief slammed over downing Pakistani jet claim
