The aftermath of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, continues to ripple through international air travel, with a significant number of flights being canceled. As of June 17, 2025, approximately 66 Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights have been grounded following the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew shortly after takeoff.
The cancellations stem from a combination of factors, primarily involving heightened safety inspections, operational constraints, and airspace restrictions. In the wake of the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated additional safety checks for all Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in Air India's fleet. These checks, while aimed at ensuring safety compliance, have led to increased turnaround times for the aircraft, impacting flight schedules.
Several key international routes have been affected by the cancellations. These include flights from Delhi to Dubai (AI 915), Delhi to Vienna (AI 153), Delhi to Paris (AI 143), Ahmedabad to London (AI 159), Bengaluru to London (AI 133), and London to Amritsar (AI 170). Most of these routes are typically serviced by the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the same model involved in the Ahmedabad crash.
Air India has cited "operational constraints" and "additional safety checks" as the primary reasons for the flight disruptions. The airline has also stated that airspace restrictions, particularly those related to the ongoing geopolitical tensions, have contributed to longer flight durations and increased turnaround times. Specifically, closures in Iranian and Jordanian airspace have forced airlines to take longer routes to and from the West, adding approximately an hour to some flight times.
The DGCA has acknowledged the flight cancellations and stated that it is closely monitoring Air India's operations. While the aviation regulator has confirmed that initial surveillance of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet revealed no major safety issues, it has raised concerns about recent maintenance-related lapses. The DGCA has directed Air India to improve coordination between its internal departments to strengthen overall safety compliance.
Air India has stated that it is making alternate arrangements for affected passengers, including offering hotel accommodations, full refunds, or complimentary rescheduling where required. The airline has also refuted claims that the cancellations are solely due to technical snags, emphasizing that precautionary checks and airspace restrictions are significant contributing factors.
Adding to the operational challenges, other incidents involving Dreamliner aircraft have been reported. A San Francisco-Mumbai flight (AI 180), which was rerouted through Kolkata due to airspace restrictions, was grounded due to a suspected technical snag. Additionally, other airlines operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners have experienced disruptions, with flights returning to their origin airports shortly after takeoff due to technical issues or bomb threats.
The situation remains dynamic, and passengers are advised to check with Air India for the latest updates on their flight schedules. The DGCA has summoned Air India officials for a meeting to address safety concerns and operational compliance in light of the recent events.
