DELHI- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) cancelled 5 international flights on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) as aviation authorities intensified scrutiny of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft following last week’s tragic accident in Ahmedabad.
The airline grounded all affected services utilizing the Dreamliner model, citing enhanced safety protocols and adherence to regulatory standards.
Air India 787 Flight Cancellations
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).
Air India (AI) explained the cancellation of flight AI 143 due to technical issues identified during pre-flight inspections, which would have breached night-time operational protocols at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG).
The airline specified aircraft unavailability and airspace restrictions as reasons for cancelling the Ahmedabad-London Gatwick service, clarifying that the impacted Dreamliner had no technical faults.
Additionally, a Hong Kong-based Dreamliner operating flight AI 315 to Delhi faced technical complications, which necessitated the pilot’s return to Hong Kong (HKG).
Multiple Aircraft Incidents
The operational challenges extended beyond Air India’s fleet. A San Francisco-Mumbai flight experienced technical difficulties during a scheduled stop in Kolkata (CCU), leading to a passenger evacuation.
International airlines also dealt with similar issues, as Lufthansa (LH) and British Airways (BA) Dreamliners had to return to Frankfurt (FRA) and London, respectively, after encountering problems en route to Hyderabad and Chennai.
Ahmedabad Crash
The increased safety measures are in response to the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI 171 on June 12. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad (AMD) heading for London Gatwick (LGW) but crashed just 40 seconds after takeoff.
Videos showed the aircraft struggling to climb before descending into a college hostel located two kilometers from the airport.
Tragically, the crash resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 passengers and crew members, with only one British-Indian passenger in seat 11A surviving the incident. Ground casualties amounted to 33 fatalities, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.
In tribute to the victims, Air India (AI) has permanently retired flight number 171.
Investigation Progress
Aviation investigators have retrieved both voice and flight data recorders from the wreckage. Early video evidence indicated the activation of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), which operates under conditions of dual-engine failure or a complete breakdown of electronic and hydraulic systems.
However, the precise cause of these critical failures remains undetermined.
Regulatory Response
The DGCA has mandated extensive maintenance inspections for all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines. The directive includes an assessment of takeoff parameters, electronic engine control systems, and fuel-related components.
Air India (AI) operates 33 Boeing 787 aircraft, while competing airline IndiGo (6E) has one Dreamliner in its fleet. Aviation experts predict that the investigation will take several months to conclude and uncover the reasons behind the crash.
Stay updated with us. Furthermore, follow us on social media for the latest news.
Join our Telegram Group for the most recent aviation updates. Additionally, follow us on Google News.
Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/17/air-india-cancels-5-boeing-787-flights-today-despite-safety-checks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=air-india-cancels-5-boeing-787-flights-today-despite-safety-checks
