Air India has announced potential delays for certain long-haul flights in the upcoming days as it conducts one-time safety inspections on its Boeing 787 planes, following directives from India’s aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The airline reported that these inspections might extend aircraft turnaround times, leading to possible delays—especially on routes to airports with operating curfews. An Air India spokesperson mentioned, “These checks are being executed on the Boeing 787 fleet as they arrive back in India, prior to being cleared for subsequent operations.”
By Saturday, safety checks had been finalized on nine out of the airline’s 33 Boeing 787 aircraft. The inspections for the remaining planes are anticipated to be conducted within the DGCA’s specified timeframe. Affected passengers will be provided with full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options, the airline stated.
This enhanced inspection protocol follows the unfortunate crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad airport. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized that the government has taken the situation “with utmost seriousness,” confirming that the DGCA has mandated stricter oversight of all Boeing 787 aircraft currently operating in India.
“At the directive of the DGCA, we are implementing extended checks throughout the entire 787 fleet. Eight aircraft have already undergone inspection, and the remaining will be urgently evaluated,” the minister stated earlier today.
Also read: Ahmedabad plane crash live updates: No issues reported in AI171, Boeing team to join probe, say sources
Officials are optimistic that analyzing the recovered black box will clarify the causes of the crash.
Starting June 15, all 787s departing from India will be required to undergo one-time safety inspections prior to takeoff. The new protocols will include examinations of cabin air compression systems, hydraulics, flight control mechanisms, and performance data. Airlines must also complete transit checks and engine power assurance tests within a two-week period and address any recurring technical issues identified in the previous fortnight.
These stricter measures arise amidst increasing global scrutiny over Boeing’s safety practices, following a series of accidents and manufacturing oversights in recent years.
