Air India is pulling the plug on its most high-profile US direct links. Starting March 1, 2026, the airline is scrapping all non-stop flights from Bengaluru and Mumbai to San Francisco.
The thing is, this wasn’t a demand issue. These flights were packed with techies and business travelers. But the reality of geopolitics hit the bottom line. Airspace restrictions (avoiding Russia and Pakistan) have turned these routes into operational nightmares. We’re talking longer flight paths, massive fuel costs, and “technical stops” that kill the whole “non-stop” appeal. Or nothing.
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The “Delhi Hub” Consolidation
Instead of flying from three cities, Air India is doubling down on Delhi.
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The Surge: Delhi-San Francisco flights are jumping from 7 to 10 per week.
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Toronto Too: Delhi-Toronto services are also scaling up to 10 weekly flights.
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The Trade-off: If you’re in Bengaluru or Mumbai, you now have to fly to Delhi first. Let’s be real, adding a domestic transfer to a 16-hour international haul is a massive headache for the Silicon Valley crowd. Those too.
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What Happens to Your Tickets?
If you’ve already booked for travel after February 28, you’re likely in a state of “sudden confusion.” Air India says they’ll reach out, but here’s the kicker:
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Option A: Re-accommodation on the new Delhi-SFO flights.
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Option B: A full refund if you don’t want the layover.
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The Anxiety: Travelers on X (formerly Twitter) are already venting. One flyer booked for May is wondering if their return ticket from SFO back to Mumbai even exists anymore. It’s an ongoing mess for those who planned months in advance to avoid “last-minute issues.”
Route Changes At A Glance
| Discontinued Route | Effective Date | Alternative |
| Bengaluru (BLR) – SFO | March 1, 2026 | Via Delhi (10x weekly) |
| Mumbai (BOM) – SFO | March 1, 2026 | Via Delhi (10x weekly) |
| Mumbai (BOM) – NYC | Being Reviewed | Direct via Delhi |
Air India’s spokesperson hinted these routes might come back if airspace constraints ease, but with the way global tensions are looking, don’t hold your breath. For now, the “direct to the Valley” dream from South India is on ice.
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