Air India Reduces Widebody International Flights Following Crash
Air India announced a 15% reduction in its international operations utilizing widebody aircraft for the next few weeks. This move comes in the wake of operational disruptions and thorough safety inspections after the tragic crash of one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners last week.
Ongoing Safety Evaluations After Catastrophe
The devastating accident involving Flight AI171 resulted in the loss of 241 lives, marking the deadliest aviation disaster globally in the last decade. The aircraft was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport when it crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad, killing nearly everyone on board along with approximately 30 people on the ground.
In response, Air India has completed safety inspections on 26 out of its 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft, all of which have now been cleared to fly. The remaining aircraft will undergo checks in the coming days, alongside scheduled inspections of the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet.
Operational Stability and Passenger Care Prioritized
Effective until at least mid-July, these flight reductions aim to maintain operational stability, enhance efficiency, and minimize inconvenience for travelers, according to the airline’s statement. The decision reflects a cautious approach in managing fleet readiness while prioritizing passenger safety.
Insights on Flight AI171’s Engine History
Adding to the investigation details, Air India’s Chairman revealed that Flight AI171’s right engine was recently installed in March 2025 and the left was last serviced in 2023. Both engines, part of the Dreamliner’s GEnx lineup, reportedly had clean maintenance records.
Additional Factors Impacting Flight Operations
Beyond safety-related adjustments, Air India attributed some flight cancellations to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as well as night curfews imposed in numerous European and East Asian airspaces. Over the past six days, a total of 83 flights have been cancelled due to these combined issues.
Looking Ahead
While Air India works through rigorous inspections and navigates complex airspace restrictions, the airline remains focused on resuming full operations safely and efficiently. Passenger welfare and operational reliability are set to remain guiding priorities in the weeks ahead.
