Air India has announced the suspension of its Washington D.C. flights for the summer of 2026 amid ongoing safety scrutiny following the crash of one of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft in June 2025. The crash has led to a series of safety reviews and operational investigations, revealing significant challenges in the airline’s maintenance and operational procedures. As a result, Air India is halting the Washington D.C. service to focus on addressing these concerns and ensuring the airline meets the necessary safety standards for its fleet.

Operational Changes in the Wake of the Boeing 787 Crash

At present, Air India operates three weekly flights between Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Washington Dulles with a layover in Vienna. While the airline had planned to increase this frequency to five flights per week during the winter season, it has now revised these plans in light of the recent tragic incident. The airline will halt its Washington D.C. route for the summer of 2026 to address the ongoing safety concerns that emerged after the crash of Flight 171.

An inspection on travel booking platforms such as Skyscanner shows that the Washington D.C. route is no longer available for bookings in the summer of 2026, further confirming the airline’s decision to suspend the route. Although Air India has not issued an official statement, the removal of the Washington Dulles service aligns with the carrier’s efforts to address its safety and operational challenges.

Air India’s Focus on Restoring Safety Standards

In response to mounting concerns, Air India has been working to improve its safety measures, particularly after the Boeing 787-8 crash. The airline, in cooperation with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has carried out a thorough inspection of its fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft. The airline has committed to restoring its full international network by October 1, 2025, once it has resolved the issues raised during these inspections.

Despite these efforts, the airline continues to face ongoing challenges regarding its maintenance protocols and overall operational safety. The investigation into the Flight 171 crash has highlighted significant issues with the airline’s maintenance and flight crew training, with the pilot’s actions being scrutinized as part of the inquiry. While investigations are ongoing, these safety issues remain a key focus for the airline.

Safety Violations Highlight Systemic Issues at Air India

A recent audit conducted by the DGCA has revealed more than 50 safety violations within Air India over the past year. Seven of these violations were categorized as “Level One,” which represent the most serious safety breaches, while the remaining 44 violations were classified as “Level Two.” These findings have raised alarm about the airline’s ability to operate its fleet safely and to meet regulatory safety standards.

The audit’s findings, combined with the crash of Flight 171, have prompted deeper investigations into Air India’s operational framework. While the airline’s Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft have undergone rigorous checks, the audits have drawn attention to systemic issues related to crew training and aircraft maintenance. These ongoing safety concerns have intensified regulatory scrutiny and public concern.

Maintenance Delays and Cancellations Add to Operational Strain

The airline’s operational challenges have also been compounded by a series of cancellations and delays. A notable example occurred when an Air India flight from Delhi to Washington was canceled during a layover in Vienna. The airline explained that the cancellation was due to an “extended maintenance task” that had to be performed, which also impacted the return leg of the flight. These delays are indicative of the broader operational strain Air India is currently facing.

Air India’s Plans for Growth Halted

Before these setbacks, Air India had been on track for substantial expansion. After its acquisition by the Tata Group, the airline embarked on an ambitious fleet modernization plan, which included an order for 570 new aircraft. These included widebody Airbus A350 jets and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Vistara, its sister airline. Additionally, the airline had seen an improvement in customer satisfaction, with reports indicating a 25% increase in positive feedback.

However, the ongoing safety issues have forced Air India to put its international expansion plans on hold. The carrier had been preparing to significantly increase its international flight offerings, but these plans will now be delayed until the airline can address the safety challenges currently impacting its operations.

As part of its fleet modernization efforts, Air India is investing $400 million into a retrofit program, which will focus initially on upgrading its narrowbody aircraft before extending to the Boeing 777 and 787 fleets. However, these investments will be postponed as the airline’s immediate priority shifts toward improving its safety and operational reliability.

Air India has suspended its Washington D.C. flights for the summer of 2026 due to ongoing safety reviews and operational challenges following the Boeing 787-8 crash in June 2025. The decision aims to address maintenance issues and ensure the airline meets safety standards.

Looking Forward: Air India’s Path to Recovery

The suspension of Washington flights for the summer of 2026 is a major setback for Air India’s international growth strategy. The airline is now focused on resolving its safety issues before resuming its expansion plans. Restoring passenger trust and ensuring that its fleet meets the highest safety standards will be the airline’s primary focus in the coming months.

As Air India works through these operational and safety challenges, its future growth potential will depend on its ability to rebuild public confidence. Once the airline has resolved its safety issues and regained regulatory approval, it will look to restart its expansion efforts and restore its position as a key player in international aviation.