Air India has announced a significant reduction—up to 15%—in its international wide-body flight operations following the deadly crash of its Ahmedabad-to-London flight AI171 on June 12. The crash, which killed all 241 people on board and more than 30 on the ground, marks one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent decades.
In response, the airline has rolled out a series of safety protocols and precautionary measures. These include enhanced inspections of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet and upcoming safety checks for its Boeing 777 aircraft as well. The temporary cutbacks in service will be implemented through June 20 and are expected to continue at least until mid-July.
Of its 33 Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft, 26 have already undergone the “Enhanced Safety Inspection” as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and have been cleared for operations. The remaining aircraft are scheduled to be inspected in the coming days, according to an official Air India statement released today.
The airline also cited a combination of challenges currently affecting global air travel, including heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, curfews in European and East Asian airspaces, and internal caution among Air India engineering and flight crews. Over the last six days alone, the airline has had to cancel 83 international flights.
“Given the compounding circumstances that Air India is facing, and in order to ensure operational stability, efficiency, and minimize passenger inconvenience, we have decided to reduce international operations on our wide-body fleet by 15% over the coming weeks,” the airline said.
In a message of remembrance, Air India expressed its grief over the loss of lives in the crash:
“Air India remains in mourning on the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew members aboard flight AI171. Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and communities affected by the accident.”
As the airline steps up its safety efforts, passengers are advised to check for schedule changes and flight cancellations in advance of travel.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)