Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Air India is facing intense scrutiny following a serious mid-air incident involving Flight AI 187, a Boeing 777 traveling from Delhi to Vienna. The aircraft unexpectedly lost 900 feet of altitude shortly after takeoff, triggering critical safety warnings. This alarming event has intensified investigations by India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), particularly in light of the recent tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad. With both incidents highlighting potential operational and safety concerns, travelers are being urged to stay informed about the ongoing investigations and disruptions to Air India’s operations. As the DGCA conducts its inquiry, Air India faces increased regulatory scrutiny, and passengers may experience delays and cancellations on key routes.
A Sudden Drop and Swift Recovery
Air India flight AI 187 took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at 2:56 AM, heading to Vienna International Airport (VIE). However, shortly after takeoff, the aircraft unexpectedly descended by 900 feet, triggering both stall and Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) alerts. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the flight crew quickly regained control and completed the flight safely, arriving in Vienna after a nine-hour journey. The incident’s severity was confirmed through flight data recorder (FDR) analysis.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) swiftly launched an investigation into the cause of the altitude loss, focusing on potential mechanical failures, pilot errors, or weather-related factors. Air India’s safety management team has been called to provide answers regarding possible lapses in maintenance and operational oversight.
A Devastating Crash Preceding the Incident
The AI 187 incident occurred just two days after a far more catastrophic event—on June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad. Tragically, 241 people aboard the flight lost their lives, along with 19 individuals on the ground.
The proximity of these two incidents has raised significant concerns about Air India’s safety protocols and operational practices. While the DGCA conducted a detailed audit of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, no major technical failures were identified in the aircraft. However, the audit revealed ongoing maintenance issues and coordination problems within the airline’s engineering and operations teams. Additionally, there were reports of overdue safety inspections on certain Airbus aircraft within the fleet.
DGCA Intensifies Oversight
In response to these incidents, the DGCA has intensified its investigations, looking into both the AI 187 and AI 171 events. The regulator is examining potential failures in safety procedures, maintenance processes, and crew training.
In addition to the incident investigations, the DGCA is conducting comprehensive audits of Air India’s overall operations, including flight scheduling, crew rostering, and its Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC). One specific area of concern is the new crew management system introduced in May 2024, which has been linked to compliance failures regarding licensing, rest periods, and recency requirements for crews. These issues have already led to the removal of three senior officials responsible for crew scheduling.
The DGCA’s investigation involves reviewing the flight data recorders (FDR) and cockpit voice recorders (CVR) for the affected flights, and the regulator has issued a stern warning to Air India, threatening penalties or even suspension of operational permissions if safety violations are uncovered.
Operational Disruptions
The incidents involving AI 187 and AI 171 have had a significant impact on Air India’s operations. As a result, 66 Boeing 787 flights have been canceled, and several important routes—including Delhi-Vienna, Delhi-Paris, and Ahmedabad-London—have been temporarily suspended. These disruptions, attributed to the implementation of additional safety checks and airspace restrictions, have caused inconvenience for passengers and added reputational challenges for the airline.
To mitigate the effects of these disruptions, Air India has committed to offering refunds, rescheduled flights, and accommodation for affected passengers. The airline’s management has expressed a commitment to improving transparency and safety practices as it works to regain passenger trust.
Growing Calls for Reform
These incidents have fueled calls for broader reforms within Air India to address systemic safety concerns. The DGCA’s increasing scrutiny of both the Boeing 787 and Airbus fleets points to the possibility of deeper, more ingrained operational issues that may require significant reforms.
Looking ahead, Air India may face stricter regulatory measures, including more rigorous maintenance schedules, enhanced crew training programs, and a more robust safety management system across the fleet. The airline has assured regulators and the public that it will work closely with the DGCA to address these concerns and improve its safety record.
In conclusion, Air India now finds itself at a critical crossroads. The airline must take swift, decisive action to respond to ongoing investigations and audits. The future of the airline’s reputation and operations will depend on its commitment to safety, transparency, and accountability.
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