- Friday, June 20, 2025
Following the deadly AI-171 crash, Air India has canceled several international and domestic flights, citing enhanced safety checks and operational disruptions. Affected passengers are offered full refunds or free rescheduling as the crash investigation continues.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Air India has announced the cancellation of several international and domestic flights just days after the tragic crash of flight AI-171, as the airline undertakes enhanced maintenance and operational checks across its fleet. The move comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny and passenger concerns, with the airline aiming to restore stability and ensure safety for all travelers.
Impacted International and Domestic Flights
On Friday, Air India confirmed the cancellation of four international and four domestic flights due to “enhanced maintenance and operational reasons.” The affected flights are as follows:
International Flights:
Passengers booked on these flights have been offered full refunds or complimentary rescheduling, and Air India staff are assisting with alternative travel arrangements.
Broader Reductions and Suspensions
The cancellations are part of a larger effort by Air India to temporarily reduce its international operations by approximately 15 per cent until at least mid-July 2025. The airline will also suspend services on three overseas routes—Delhi-Nairobi, Amritsar-London (Gatwick), and Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick)—and cut back frequencies on 18 additional international routes, including key connections to North America, Europe, Australia, and the Far East.
These measures are intended to create a reserve pool of aircraft to address any unplanned disruptions, accommodate longer flight durations due to airspace closures in the Middle East, and ensure comprehensive safety checks on the Boeing 787 and 777 fleets.
Enhanced Safety Checks After Ahmedabad Crash
The operational changes follow the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which resulted in the deaths of at least 270 people, including passengers and those on the ground.
The aircraft crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, landing in the campus of a nearby medical college and catching fire.
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered intensive inspections across Air India’s wide-body fleet. As of June 18, 24 of the airline’s 33 Dreamliners had been thoroughly checked and cleared for service, while two aircraft remain grounded in Delhi for further maintenance.
Passenger Support and Communication
Air India has issued an apology for the inconvenience caused and urged passengers to check their flight status on the airline’s website or contact customer care before traveling. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and operational reliability, stating, “The reductions arise from the decision to voluntarily undertake enhanced pre-flight safety checks, as well as accommodate additional flight durations arising from airspace closures in the Middle East”.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Outlook
A multi-disciplinary team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently investigating the cause of the AI-171 crash. Air India’s management, under pressure from both regulators and the public, has pledged to maintain heightened safety standards and minimize last-minute disruptions as the probe continues.
Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and expect further adjustments as Air India works to restore confidence and operational stability in the wake of this unprecedented crisis
