Flight Buzz
Air India suspends flights between New Delhi and Washington D.C.
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Air India is suspending services between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting on Sept. 1 due to aircraft shortages stemming from upgrades to its Boeing fleet and the ongoing ban on Indian carriers in Pakistan’s airspace.
The company announced on Aug. 11 that the suspension is “due to a combination of operational factors, to ensure the reliability and integrity of Air India’s overall route network.”
“The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet, as the airline commenced retrofitting 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month,” the company said in a news release, adding this “extensive retrofit program, aimed at significantly enhancing customer experience,” will result in unavailability of multiple aircrafts until at least end of 2026.
Ban on Indian carriers in Pakistan’s airspace
In addition to its fleet upgrade, the closure of airspace over Pakistan “impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity,” the news release said. The airspace ban is estimated to cost Air India about $600 million over 12 months, Reuters reported.India and Pakistan closed their airspaces to each other days after relations nosedived following a fatal attack on civilians in Indian Kashmir in April. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the attack, which Islamabad denies.
Options for Air India customers
While there will no direct flights between the two capitals, Air India customers will have the option to choose flights to Washington, D.C., with layovers in New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco with the airline’s partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, “allowing customers to travel on a single itinerary with their baggage checked through to the final destination,” the news release said.
The airline will also continue to “operate non-stop flights between India and six destinations in North America, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.”
Customers booked on flights to or from Washington, D.C. beyond September 1 will be contacted by the airline and offered alternative travel arrangements, including rebooking on other flights or full refunds, as per their individual preferences, the airline said.
Air India woes
The suspension also comes as Air India faces heightened regulatory scrutiny after a June crash of one of its Boeing planes in Ahmedabad killed 260 people.
Meanwhile, passengers on a recent Air India flight from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata encountered some unwelcome visitors early this month.
“On flight AI180 from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata, two passengers were unfortunately bothered by the presence of a few small cockroaches on board,” a spokesperson for the airline previously told USA TODAY in a statement Aug. 5. They notified a crew member who relocated them to different seats, where they were “comfortable thereafter,” the airline continued.
During the scheduled fuel stop at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, the aircraft was deep cleaned by the ground crew to address the issue, and continued its journey to Mumbai as scheduled.
“Despite our regular fumigation efforts, insects can sometimes enter an aircraft during ground operations,” the airline added. “Air India will be undertaking a comprehensive investigation to determine the source and the cause of this incident and implement measures to prevent recurrence. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to the passengers.”
Contributing: Reuters / Joey Garrison, Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Flight Buzz
Qantas Transforms Global Travel with Expanded Daily Sydney to New York Flights Delivering Unrivaled Comfort and Connectivity in 2026
Published on
August 12, 2025 |
Australia’s Qantas is revolutionizing international travel by launching daily Sydney to New York flights via Auckland starting June 2026, significantly boosting connectivity between the two global cities. This strategic move responds to rising passenger demand and enhances travel flexibility, while also leveraging modern aircraft to deliver superior comfort. By increasing frequency on this key route, Qantas not only strengthens business and leisure ties between Australia and the United States but also positions itself at the forefront of post-pandemic aviation recovery and growth.
Qantas to Launch Daily Sydney to New York Flights via Auckland Starting June 2026
Qantas is set to expand its Sydney to New York City service with daily flights via Auckland from June through October 2026. This marks a significant upgrade from the current schedule, making it the first time since the route’s introduction in June 2023, and since the pre-pandemic era, that the airline will offer daily connectivity between Sydney and New York.
The route originally operated as Sydney–Los Angeles–New York before COVID-19 disrupted global air travel. The new daily service will enhance options for travelers between Australia and the United States, catering to growing demand for transpacific flights and providing more flexible scheduling for both leisure and business passengers.
Qantas also announced other key updates to its international network this August. The airline reintroduced its iconic Airbus A380 aircraft on the Sydney to Dallas route starting August 11, 2025, bringing back the spacious double-decker jet that had been temporarily retired due to the pandemic’s impact on air travel. In addition, Qantas resumed Boeing 787 Dreamliner operations on its Brisbane to Los Angeles flights from August 13, 2025, aligning with the company’s broader fleet modernization plans.
New York City is gearing up for a dynamic period of growth and excitement, making it an even more attractive destination for travelers. The prestigious Waldorf Astoria hotel has reopened after an eight-year renovation, offering visitors a blend of historic luxury and modern comfort. The city’s cultural landscape will expand further with the scheduled opening of the Hip Hop Museum in 2026, celebrating one of New York’s most influential art forms.
Travel convenience is also improving for Australians arriving in New York, thanks to the Mobile Passport Control app now accepted at JFK Airport. This technology streamlines customs and immigration processes, allowing faster entry for eligible travelers.
2026 will be a landmark year for New York on the global sports stage. The city will host the FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, along with several other matches held across New York and New Jersey during June and July. This event is expected to draw international visitors in unprecedented numbers, boosting tourism and local business.
Later in 2025, Qantas plans to restart two important international routes from Perth: Perth to Auckland and Perth to Johannesburg. These services will improve connectivity for Western Australia, linking it more effectively with key international hubs in New Zealand and South Africa.
Tourism data highlights New York’s robust recovery post-pandemic. According to New York City Tourism + Conventions, visitation levels in 2024 have reached 97% of the pre-COVID benchmark set in 2019, with 64.5 million visitors expected this year. The economic benefits of tourism continue to grow, with total visitor spending hitting $79 billion in 2024—an impressive 110% increase compared to 2019.
This resurgence underscores the city’s status as a global tourism powerhouse and reaffirms Qantas’ confidence in expanding air travel options to meet demand. The return of daily flights and upgraded services is poised to strengthen business ties, cultural exchange, and leisure travel between Australia and New York.
Australia’s Qantas is transforming international travel by launching daily Sydney to New York flights via Auckland from June 2026, enhancing connectivity and passenger experience. This move meets growing demand and strengthens ties between Australia and the US.
With these developments, passengers can look forward to enhanced comfort, greater flexibility, and seamless connections on their journey between Sydney and the Big Apple. The blend of upgraded aircraft, increased frequencies, and New York’s vibrant cultural revival positions 2026 as an ideal time to explore one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Air India has decided to halt flight services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting from September 1, 2025. The airline made this announcement on August 11 and stated that they are suspending these services because of “a combination of operational factors”. With this decision, Air India is focusing on ensuring its entire route network operates smoothly. Read to know the details.
Air India To Suspend Flights Between Delhi And Washington, D.C.
Air India is suspending flights between Delhi and Washington, D.C, effective from September 1, 2025. The airline took this decision because they have started upgrading 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month. They will upgrade several plans to enhance customer experience and will also suspend some of their services at least until the end of 2026. The airline also added that due to the closure of Pakistan’s airspace, it is facing longer flight routings and increased operational complexity on long-haul flights.
As per an NDTV report, Air India has taken this decision to suspend the flights just two months after the tragic flight crash incident in Ahmedabad. The incident involved a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which led to the death of hundreds of people, when the plane crashed just after takeoff.
If you have already booked an Air India flight to or from Washington D.C for travel after September 1, 2025, then fret not. According to the press release, the airline will get in touch with you. They will offer alternative travel options, including rebooking on another flight or a full refund. Passengers can decide as per their travel preferences.
How To Reach Washington, D.C. After Suspension Of Flights?
Though Air India has put a pause on direct flights to Washington, D.C., passengers will continue to have the option of one-stop flights via four U.S. airports. At New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco airports, Air India has collaborated with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines to allow passengers to travel on a single itinerary. With this, they can travel on one booking, and their luggage will directly reach their final destination.
This current decision by Air India will not affect non-stop services between India and six other North American destinations. It will continue to operate, including Toronto and Vancouver.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think this decision by Air India will affect those who rely on the direct Delhi–Washington route for convenience? Let us know in the comments section.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
First Published: August 12, 2025 12:27 PM
Flight Buzz
Independence Day Sale: Etihad Offers Up To 30% Off US & Europe Flights For Indian Travellers
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to tick that dream destination off your list, finally, Etihad Airways just handed it to you on a silver platter. To mark India’s Independence Day, Etihad Airways is rolling out a massive flash sale, we’re talking up to 30% off flights to some of the most exciting cities across the US and Europe.
Etihad’s Flash Sale For Independence Day Is Here With Up to 30% Off Flights
The countdown is on. A new bird is joining the family 👀 🛫#Etihad #BeyondBorders
📸 Li: Dirk Grothe pic.twitter.com/8ywXMkX5Wt
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) July 22, 2025
This isn’t one of those “blink and it’s gone” discounts buried in fine print; it’s a proper wallet-friendly deal that could have you swapping the UAE’s late-summer heat for a crisp New York autumn or a snowy Prague winter.
Pocket-Friendly Fares To The US & Canada
Let’s get to the juicy part, the fares. If America’s on your radar, you could be walking Chicago’s lakefront from just AED3,273, soaking up history in Washington DC from AED3,149, or taking in the skyline from Toronto’s CN Tower from AED3,599 in Economy. For those who like to get bang for their buck, these prices are well below what you’d usually pay, especially for long-haul flights out of the UAE.
European Getaways Without Breaking The Bank
Europe lovers, your options are just as tempting. Imagine wandering Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter for as little as AED2,036, enjoying the charm of Dublin’s pubs from AED2,149, or exploring Prague’s cobbled streets without giving your bank account a heart attack.
Other cities on sale include Brussels, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Munich, Frankfurt, and Warsaw. Basically, if you’ve been daydreaming about a European city break, there’s a strong chance it’s on this list. And for the shopaholics, winter sales in these cities are a whole different kind of paradise.
Also Read: Air India Express AED179 Flight Tickets To 19th Dubai Airshow Dates; 5 GCC Updates For You
US East Coast, Black Sea Escapes & More
It’s not just the classics on sale, you could be living your “New York moment” from AED3,500-ish, discovering Boston’s historic streets, or heading to Atlanta for a slice of Southern charm. There’s even Sochi on the Black Sea for something a little different.
The Clock’s Ticking, Don’t Snooze on This
Here’s the thing, this isn’t one of those open-ended promos. The clock is ticking and the tickets are supposed to be booked Thursday, August 15 to benefit this offer. You can then fly between September 2025 to March 2026.
Whether it’s sipping hot chocolate in a Paris café, watching snowflakes fall over Central Park, or enjoying tapas by Barcelona’s beaches, Etihad’s giving you a golden chance to make it happen, without your wallet filing for bankruptcy.
Cover Image Courtesy: Etihad Airways/Website
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First Published: August 12, 2025 11:23 AM
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