Air India is implementing flight restrictions on its Boeing 787 and 777 fleets until July 15, 2025, in the wake of the fatal crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The crash, which involved flight AI171 bound for London's Gatwick Airport, resulted in the deaths of all but one of the 242 people on board, as well as approximately 30 people on the ground. The incident has prompted increased scrutiny of the airline's safety protocols and the operational readiness of its wide-body aircraft.
The decision to curb flights includes a 15% reduction in international services using Boeing 787s, Boeing 777s, and Airbus A350s. These temporary reductions will last until at least mid-July and affect several routes, including those to Gatwick. The airline has stated that these measures are intended to ensure operational stability, improve efficiency, and minimize passenger inconvenience during this period.
Following the crash, India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed Air India to conduct enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleets. These checks include "power assurance checks" to be completed within two weeks of the order. Air India has confirmed that it is working closely with the DGCA, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to uphold the highest safety standards. As of June 18, 2025, Air India had completed inspections on 26 of its 33 Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft, with the remaining planes undergoing checks. Similar checks have also been extended to its Boeing 777 fleet as a precautionary measure.
Adding to the disruption, an Air India flight bound for Hong Kong was forced to return mid-air due to a technical issue, marking the second serious incident involving the airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliners in less than a week. This incident, though resulting in no injuries, has further amplified public concerns and scrutiny. Moreover, there have been reports of a pilot experiencing a panic attack mid-runway a day after the Ahmedabad crash, leading to further flight disruptions.
In response to growing flier anxiety, Air India has significantly slashed ticket prices on several international routes, particularly those operated by Boeing 787s. These fare reductions are seen as an attempt to maintain passenger confidence. For example, fares on routes like Delhi to Amsterdam and Delhi to Hong Kong have seen dramatic markdowns compared to rival airlines.
The airline's chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, has insisted that the Boeing 787-8 aircraft involved in the Ahmedabad crash had a "clean history." He noted that the right engine was newly installed in March 2025, and the left engine was last serviced in 2023, with its next maintenance check scheduled for December 2025. Despite these assurances, the crash has triggered a wave of enhanced safety measures, fleet inspections, and operational adjustments.
Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the crash site, and are expected to provide critical insights into the cause of the disaster. While the investigation is ongoing, the incident has already led to significant repercussions for Air India, including flight cancellations, route adjustments, and increased safety oversight.
Air India has expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of life in the AI171 tragedy and is providing support to the families of victims and the injured in coordination with the Government of Gujarat.
