New Delhi, June 20 - Air India, the flag carrier of India, has announced a significant reduction in its international flight operations involving Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, effective from Saturday, June 21, 2025, through at least July 15, 2025. This decision follows a tragic incident involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025, resulting in the loss of 241 of the 242 passengers and crew on board, along with additional casualties on the ground. The crash, the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has prompted heightened scrutiny of the airline’s fleet and operational protocols, leading to a temporary 15% reduction in international services operated by its widebody aircraft.
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The reduction in flights is driven by a combination of factors, primarily the airline’s voluntary decision to conduct enhanced pre-flight safety inspections across its Boeing 787 and 777 fleets. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated rigorous safety checks on Air India’s 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft following the crash, with 26 of these aircraft already cleared for service as of June 18, 2025. The remaining aircraft are undergoing inspections, with completion expected in the coming days. Additionally, Air India has proactively initiated enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 777 fleet, which includes models like the 777-200LR and 777-300ER, used for long-haul routes to destinations such as North America, Europe, and the Gulf region. These inspections, which involve assessing critical systems like engines, flaps, and landing gear, are expected to increase aircraft turnaround times and contribute to schedule disruptions.
Compounding these challenges are operational constraints caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have led to airspace closures and increased flight durations on certain routes. To mitigate passenger inconvenience and stabilize its schedule, Air India has suspended operations on three international routes—Delhi-Nairobi (AI961/962, four weekly flights), Amritsar-London Gatwick (AI169/170, three weekly flights), and Goa (Mopa)-London Gatwick (AI145/146, three weekly flights)—and reduced frequencies on 16 other global routes, including Delhi-Seoul, which will drop from five to four weekly flights. Since the crash, Air India has canceled 83 flights, with 66 involving Boeing 787 aircraft, reflecting the significant impact of these inspections and airspace restrictions.
Air India is addressing passenger concerns by offering re-accommodation on alternative flights, complimentary rescheduling, or full refunds. The airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, emphasized the necessity of these measures to restore operational stability while prioritizing safety. The ongoing investigation into the Ahmedabad crash, led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with support from Boeing and GE Aerospace, is focusing on the aircraft’s engines, flight management systems, and maintenance records. The recovery of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder is expected to provide critical insights into the cause of the crash, which remains under investigation. Air India’s fleet, comprising 190 aircraft as of June 2025, including 33 Boeing 787s and various Boeing 777 models, is undergoing a $400 million refurbishment program, with retrofitting already underway for some aircraft to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency. Despite these efforts, the recent crash and subsequent flight reductions represent a significant challenge for Air India as it works to rebuild its reputation under Tata Group ownership.