New Delhi: In the aftermath of one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in recent Indian history, Air India has announced a significant 15% reduction in its international services operated by wide-body aircraft. The decision comes a week after the catastrophic crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed the lives of over 240 passengers and crew members.
Air India, now under Tata Group’s management, stated that the temporary curtailment of services is part of a broader effort to prioritize safety and operational stability. This move impacts long-haul routes serviced by Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft and will remain in effect at least until mid-July. A revised international schedule is expected to be published on or around June 20.
The airline confirmed that 26 of its 33 Boeing 787s have undergone rigorous safety inspections, including deep structural and engine assessments. The remaining aircraft, including the Boeing 777 fleet, are also undergoing comprehensive checks under the supervision of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This sweeping safety overhaul is a direct response to concerns raised after preliminary investigation reports suggested possible technical failures in the doomed Dreamliner, including the mid-flight deployment of its emergency ram air turbine—often triggered by power or hydraulic failure.
Air India officials said the reduction in services would also help create a buffer in operations during this uncertain period. With several global flight paths affected by geopolitical disruptions—especially in West Asia—and the imposition of night curfews across some international air corridors, the airline aims to avoid last-minute cancellations and maintain a reliable flight network.
Affected passengers have been assured of proactive communication from the airline, including complimentary rescheduling options or full refunds. Air India emphasized that it remains committed to upholding passenger trust and safety as paramount priorities during this turbulent time.
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in coordination with experts from the United States and United Kingdom, continues to probe the technical causes of the June 12 disaster. Investigators are now focusing on cockpit voice recorders, maintenance history, and communication logs from the final minutes of the flight.
Support for the families of the crash victims remains a top priority for the airline. Coordination with the Gujarat state government and emergency volunteers has ensured timely assistance, while grief counselors and Air India’s crisis response team are actively helping the bereaved.
Though painful, this operational recalibration is seen as a responsible step toward restoring stability and confidence in India’s flagship carrier.