The North News
New Delhi, June 19
Air India has announced a 15 percent temporary reduction in its international wide-body aircraft services, citing ongoing safety inspections, operational challenges, and the airline’s ongoing recovery efforts following the tragic crash of flight AI171, which claimed the lives of 274 persons include passengers, crew and locals. The airline remains in mourning over the fatal accident, and in a statement, it expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and communities affected by the accident,” said Air India in its official statement. “We consider the family members of the deceased as part of our larger family.”
In coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Gujarat, Air India and Tata Group volunteers are assisting families in Ahmedabad, supporting them at hospitals and helping with arrangements for the return of the mortal remains of victims, said the Air India.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated enhanced safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 fleet. Of the 33 aircraft, 26 have passed inspections and returned to service, while the rest are under review. As a precautionary measure, similar checks will also be conducted on Boeing 777 aircraft. Air India assured the public that it is fully cooperating with investigative authorities including the DGCA, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the statement said.
The airline has faced multiple operational hurdles in recent days—including airspace curfews due to Middle East tensions, night restrictions over parts of Europe and East Asia, and staffing issues. These have resulted in 83 international flight cancellations over the past six days.
“To ensure operational stability, better efficiency, and to minimise inconvenience to passengers, Air India has decided to reduce its international widebody services by 15%,” the statement said. The cutbacks will be in place until at least mid-July, with a revised schedule effective from 20 June to be announced shortly, the Air India said.
