Tuesday, June 17, 2025
On June 17, 2025, Air India, a subsidiary of Tata Group, made the decision to cancel five international flights after heightened safety inspections of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in response to the tragic crash in Ahmedabad. The airline grounded all flights operated by the Dreamliner aircraft to comply with stricter safety regulations and ensure operational integrity following the deadly incident. This move reflects the airline’s commitment to prioritizing passenger safety amid growing concerns regarding the aircraft’s performance.
Air India Flight Cancellations
The suspension of flights affected several important international routes, causing disruptions for many travelers. The cancelled services included AI 915 from Delhi (DEL) to Dubai (DXB), AI 153 from Delhi (DEL) to Vienna (VIE), AI 143 from Delhi (DEL) to Paris (CDG), AI 159 from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London (LGW), and AI 170 from London (LGW) to Amritsar (ATQ). All of these routes were operated by the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was grounded as part of the airline’s response to the heightened scrutiny following the Ahmedabad crash.
Flight AI 143, scheduled to fly from Delhi to Paris, was cancelled after pre-flight checks revealed technical issues. These issues were linked to operational restrictions at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which enforces specific rules regarding night-time operations. Although the aircraft was free from mechanical faults, the airport’s operational limitations made it impossible for the flight to proceed.
Likewise, flight AI 159 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick (LGW) was cancelled due to the unavailability of the designated Dreamliner and airspace restrictions. The aircraft had no technical faults, but the cancellation was necessary to meet the new safety guidelines. These actions were taken in alignment with Air India’s ongoing efforts to prioritize passenger safety and adhere to regulatory standards.
A Hong Kong-based Dreamliner, operating flight AI 315 to Delhi, was forced to return to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to technical difficulties. This further highlights the airline’s commitment to ensuring that any potential issues are addressed swiftly to avoid safety risks.
Industry-Wide Impact on Dreamliner Operations
The decision to ground Dreamliner flights extended beyond Air India and impacted other international carriers using the same aircraft model. Lufthansa (LH) was affected when a flight en route from San Francisco to Mumbai encountered technical issues during a stopover in Kolkata (CCU), prompting an evacuation of passengers. British Airways (BA) also faced operational disruptions as one of its Dreamliners, bound for Hyderabad, had to return to Frankfurt (FRA) after mid-flight technical problems. These incidents underscore the broader concerns over the reliability and safety of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner across the aviation industry.
Ahmedabad Crash and Increased Safety Measures
The grounding of Dreamliner flights by Air India follows the devastating crash of Air India flight AI 171 on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departing Ahmedabad (AMD) for London Gatwick (LGW), tragically crashed just 40 seconds after takeoff. Video footage captured the aircraft struggling to maintain altitude before it plummeted into a college hostel located two kilometers from the airport.
The crash killed 241 out of the 242 passengers and crew members aboard, with only one British-Indian passenger surviving. Additionally, 33 people on the ground perished in the crash, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. This incident has prompted aviation authorities to closely examine the safety standards surrounding the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, especially considering the catastrophic nature of the failure.
Ongoing Investigation into the Cause of the Crash
Aviation investigators have recovered the aircraft’s voice and flight data recorders from the wreckage. Preliminary analysis of the video footage from the scene revealed the activation of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), which typically deploys only in the event of dual-engine failure or a complete breakdown of the aircraft’s electronic and hydraulic systems. This suggests a severe malfunction in the aircraft’s critical systems, but the exact cause of the failure remains under investigation.
Although preliminary findings point to potential issues with the aircraft’s power systems, it is still too early to determine the cause definitively. Investigators will need several months to complete a thorough analysis before reaching any conclusions. These findings will be crucial in understanding whether the crash resulted from a systemic issue with the Dreamliner model or an isolated mechanical failure.
Regulatory Actions and Comprehensive Inspections
Following the Ahmedabad crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has introduced stringent safety measures. The DGCA has mandated that all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines undergo detailed maintenance checks. These inspections will assess critical systems such as takeoff parameters, engine control systems, and fuel components to ensure the aircraft’s airworthiness.
Currently, Air India operates a fleet of 33 Boeing 787 aircraft, while its competitor IndiGo (6E) has one Dreamliner in service. Despite the disruptions caused by the grounding of the Dreamliners, Air India is fully committed to complying with safety regulations and working to resolve any issues that may arise from the investigation.
The investigation into the crash is expected to take several months, as authorities carefully analyze all available data. During this period, airlines operating the Dreamliner will likely continue to face additional safety inspections and scrutiny from regulatory agencies.
Conclusion
The suspension of multiple international flights by Air India is a direct result of heightened safety concerns regarding the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171. While the investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing, Air India’s decision to ground flights and comply with new safety measures reflects the airline’s commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards. The aviation industry will continue to monitor the situation closely as regulatory bodies work to ensure the Dreamliner fleet meets stringent safety protocols before returning to service. Air India remains focused on the safety of its passengers and is determined to take all necessary steps to address any potential risks associated with the Boeing 787-8.
