Air India initiates fleet-wide Boeing 787 safety checks post-crash, warns of potential delays

Air India today announced that the airline is in the process of completing the one-time safety checks directed by the Indian aviation regulator, DGCA, which could lead to higher turnaround times and potential delays on certain long-haul routes.

"These checks are being carried out on the Boeing 787 fleet as they return to India, before being cleared for their next operations. Air India has completed such checks on nine of the Boeing 787 aircraft and is on track to complete this process for the remaining 24 aircraft within the timeline provided by the regulator," an Air India spokesperson said.

In a shocking incident, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed near Ahmedabad International Airport shortly after take-off on June 12, 2025. Of the 242 occupants, only one passenger survived. Following the impact on the ground, the death toll has reached 270, as many of those who were injured have succumbed to their injuries.

As per the airline, some of these checks could lead to higher turnaround times and potential delays on certain long-haul routes, especially those to airports with operating curfews. "Customers will be duly notified about any delays. They are advised to check the status of their flights at http://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before heading to the airport."

For customers affected by this disruption, refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling are being offered to those who opt for it, the airline said.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, in a press conference held today, also called for extended surveillance of the Boeing 787 series. "There is a need to do an extended surveillance of the Boeing 787 series. So, from the DGCA, we have also given an order to do the extended surveillance for the 787 planes. There are 34 in our Indian aircraft fleet today.”

He said 8 have already been inspected, and with immediate urgency, all of them are going to be probed. "Whatever necessary steps are needed to be taken, we are going to ensure that without any hesitation, we are going to improve every necessary thing that is going to come our way to improve the safety."

The airline, in another statement, said due to the emerging situation in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the subsequent closure of airspace, and for the safety of its passengers, some flights are operating on alternative extended routes. "We are doing our best to minimise any inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure. Please check your flight status here http://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html or call our customer centre on 011 69329333, 011 69329999 or visit our website http://airindia.com."