Air India will reduce international wide-body operations by 15% until mid-July following the deadly crash of a Boeing 787-8 and ongoing Middle East instability. The temporary cuts come as investigators continue examining the Ahmedabad-London flight that killed 271 people earlier this month.
Fleet Inspections Underway
Of Air India’s 33 Dreamliners (787-8/9 variants), 26 have cleared safety checks and returned to service. The remaining aircraft will undergo inspections in coming days, with additional evaluations planned for the carrier’s Boeing 777 fleet. These precautionary measures have already grounded 83 wide-body flights, including 66 Dreamliner operations.
Dual Investigations Launched
The Indian government has established two independent committees to examine the June 12 crash near Ahmedabad Airport. One team focuses on technical factors while the other investigates operational circumstances. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has extended its special monitoring of all 787 operations nationwide during the probe.
Operational Stability Prioritized
Air India emphasized the flight reductions aim to “ensure operational stability and improve efficiency” while minimizing passenger disruption. The cuts primarily affect long-haul routes where the airline typically deploys its 787 and 777 aircraft, though specific route cancellations weren’t disclosed.
Global Context of Decision
The reductions compound operational challenges stemming from Middle East airspace restrictions, which have forced rerouting of Europe-bound flights. Aviation analysts note the temporary capacity cut could impact India’s peak summer travel season, particularly on lucrative routes to North America and Europe.
As investigations continue, Air India faces mounting pressure to demonstrate safety improvements while maintaining service reliability. The carrier’s response highlights the delicate balance airlines must strike between operational caution and commercial obligations after major accidents. Industry observers expect the flight reductions could extend beyond mid-July depending on investigation findings and geopolitical developments.
