The recent Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and prompted serious safety concerns, leading to the grounding of several aircraft. The incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, resulted in the tragic loss of 241 lives of the 242 people on board, in addition to at least 39 fatalities on the ground, marking it as one of India's worst aviation disasters in decades and the first fatal crash involving the 787 Dreamliner.
Following the crash, India's aviation sector has plunged into crisis. Preliminary investigations revealed that the aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, struggled to gain altitude shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Airport. The flight crew reported a loss of power and thrust just 36 seconds into the flight, before the plane crashed into a residential area near B. J. Medical College, less than 2 kilometers from the airport.
In the immediate aftermath, safety probes were initiated, leading to the grounding of several Dreamliners. This decision, while disruptive, underscores the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the remaining fleet. The grounding has inevitably resulted in flight cuts and massive cancellations, causing significant inconvenience to passengers and posing operational challenges for Air India.
The investigation into the crash is a multifaceted endeavor, involving experts from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with assistance from the U.K., the U.S., and officials from Boeing. The recovery of the "black boxes," containing cockpit voice recordings and flight data, is crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash. Investigators are meticulously examining the engine performance, control systems, pilot training records, and maintenance history of the aircraft.
Air India has stated that the right engine of the crashed aircraft was overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April. Furthermore, the airline claims that the plane underwent a major inspection in June 2023, with another scheduled for December 2025, suggesting adherence to maintenance protocols. However, these claims are subject to thorough scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.
The grounding of Air India's planes is a precautionary measure to allow for comprehensive inspections and additional maintenance checks across the entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. This process aims to identify any potential systemic issues or vulnerabilities that could compromise the safety of other aircraft. The implications of the Ahmedabad crash extend beyond Air India, raising broader questions about aviation safety standards and the need for continuous improvement.
The incident presents a significant challenge for the Tata Group, which recently acquired Air India. The group is now faced with the daunting task of restoring public confidence in the airline and ensuring the highest safety standards. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent actions taken by Air India and regulatory authorities will be critical in determining the airline's future trajectory.
