MUMBAI- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has announced a 15% reduction in its international widebody flight schedule from Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), as the airline extends enhanced one-time engineering checks to its Boeing 777 fleet.
The move follows the June 12 crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI) shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad (AMD), which killed 241 of 242 onboard and several on the ground, triggering regulatory safety directives.
Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)Air India 777 Fleet Checks
Air India initially began engineering inspections of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft in response to the crash.
As of now, 26 of the airline’s 33 Dreamliners have been inspected, with the remaining aircraft set to undergo checks in the coming days.
Though no mechanical issues were detected, the carrier has opted to expand the same precautionary inspections to its Boeing 777 fleet.
This strategic decision, while not mandated by regulators, aims to ensure fleet-wide safety and reassure passengers following the airline’s worst-ever disaster.
According to Air India, the checks are “precautionary but essential,” given the scale and impact of the crash.
Photo: JetPhotos Spotter15% Int’l Flight Cuts
In conjunction with airspace restrictions due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Air India stated that it will cut 15% of international flights operated by widebody aircraft.
The reduction affects long-haul routes operated from key hubs, primarily Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), and will remain in place at least until mid-July.
Over the past six days, the airline has already canceled 83 international services. This temporary reduction is expected to streamline operations, improve schedule predictability, and reduce the risk of last-minute cancellations that have plagued recent weeks.
The June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI271 was the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Among the deceased were 52 British nationals. Air India is working with a UK-based crisis management firm to assist with repatriation and international coordination efforts.
Investigators from India and several other countries are collaborating to determine the cause of the crash. The airline is fully cooperating and said it would continue to implement operational changes recommended by regulators and investigators as the probe progresses.
Photo: Bhavya Velani/Aviation A2ZAirline Seeks to Rebuild Trust
Air India emphasized that the flight curtailments, while operationally challenging, are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the airline and restore public trust.
The airline reiterated that all aircraft cleared for operation meet stringent airworthiness and safety protocols.
“The curtailments are a painful measure to take,” the airline said in a public statement. “But they are necessary following a devastating event, compounded by unusual external disruptions.”
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