New Delhi: Air India continues to face significant operational challenges, announcing the cancellation of at least eight more domestic and international flights on Friday. The airline cited “enhanced maintenance and operational reasons” for the disruptions, which come in the wake of intensified regulatory scrutiny following the tragic Dreamliner crash on June 12, that claimed 270 lives in Ahmedabad.
The recent cancellations add to a growing list of flight disruptions for the national carrier as it implements stringent safety checks across its fleet, particularly its Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. This proactive measure is a direct response to the fatal accident and aims to restore confidence in the airline’s safety protocols.
Among the international routes affected on Friday were AI906 (Dubai–Chennai), AI308 (Delhi–Melbourne), AI309 (Melbourne–Delhi), and AI2204 (Dubai–Hyderabad). Domestic cancellations included AI874 (Pune–Delhi), AI456 (Ahmedabad–Delhi), AI2872 (Hyderabad–Mumbai), and AI571 (Chennai–Mumbai).
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has addressed the public, affirming that “not a single aircraft will fly if it’s not 100% safe.” He stated that the airline has completed additional precautionary checks on its operating Boeing 787 fleet as requested by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and will continue these enhanced pre-flight checks as a matter of abundant caution.
The airline has also announced a temporary reduction of 38 international flights per week and the suspension of services on three overseas routes from June 21 to July 15, 2025. This move is intended to “restore schedule reliability and minimise last-minute disruption for travellers” amidst the ongoing safety inspections and increased flight durations due to airspace closures in the Middle East. Air India has assured affected passengers of re-accommodation on alternative flights, complimentary rescheduling, or full refunds.
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