Following a recent aircraft crash in Ahmedabad, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to conduct enhanced safety inspections on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. This directive, issued on Friday, June 13, 2025, aims to ensure the continued safety of Air India's fleet and passengers. The DGCA has clarified that, despite the intensified checks, the Boeing 787 fleet is not being grounded.

The enhanced safety inspections are to be carried out with immediate effect, in coordination with the DGCA's regional offices. The directive specifically targets Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft equipped with Genx engines. These inspections include a series of critical checks and tests designed to identify and address any potential issues.

The DGCA has outlined several key areas that must be inspected. Before each flight's departure from India starting June 15, 2025, a one-time check must be performed encompassing: inspection of fuel parameter monitoring and associated system checks, inspection of cabin air compressor and associated systems, electronic engine control system test, engine fuel-driven actuator operational test and oil system check, serviceability check of the hydraulic system, and a review of take-off parameters.

Furthermore, the DGCA has mandated the introduction of "Flight Control Inspection" during transit checks, effective immediately and continuing until further notice. This measure adds an extra layer of scrutiny during routine maintenance stops. Power assurance checks must also be completed within two weeks to ensure the engines are performing optimally. Air India is also required to address repetitive snags identified in the past 15 days on its Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft, ensuring that maintenance actions are expedited to resolve these issues.

Air India has acknowledged the DGCA's directive and has already commenced the safety checks on its Boeing 787 fleet. As of June 14, 2025, the airline has inspected nine aircraft and is working to complete the inspections for the remaining aircraft within the timeframe stipulated by the regulator.

The airline has also issued a statement acknowledging that these inspections may lead to delays on some long-haul flights. To mitigate the impact on passengers, Air India is offering affected customers the option of refunds or complimentary rescheduling of their flights.

These enhanced safety inspections follow the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad. Initial reports suggest the crash may have been caused by engine failure.