Air India Announces Possible Flight Delays Due to Safety Checks

Individuals traveling long-distance with Air India should anticipate possible flight delays in the upcoming days, as the airline undertakes essential safety inspections of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The checks, mandated by India’s aviation authority DGCA, are part of increased oversight following a recent incident in the aviation sector.

What Routes Are Served by Air India’s Dreamliners?

Air India operates a substantial number of 34 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including both the 787-8 and 787-9 models. These cutting-edge, fuel-efficient planes are strategically utilized throughout the airline’s extensive international long-haul routes, linking India to significant destinations around the globe.

Travelers can generally expect Air India’s Boeing 787s on the following routes:

Europe:

• London (Heathrow, Gatwick)
• Frankfurt
• Paris
• Copenhagen
• Vienna

North America:

• New York (JFK, EWR)
• Chicago
• San Francisco
• Washington D.C.
• Vancouver (please note: certain North American routes may also involve Boeing 777s)
• Toronto

Australia:

• Sydney
• Melbourne

Southeast Asia/Far East:

• Tokyo
• Seoul
• Singapore (while shorter routes to Singapore may employ Airbus A320/321, the 787 is predominantly used for longer journeys)

This broad deployment means a substantial segment of Air India’s international operations depends on the Boeing 787 fleet, rendering the current safety inspections especially significant for international travelers.

Safety Inspections Ordered by DGCA

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has instructed a detailed one-off inspection of all 34 Boeing 787 planes operated by Indian airlines. This includes an in-depth examination of vital systems such as:

• Cabin air compression
• Hydraulic and control systems
• Takeoff performance metrics

These pre-flight checks must be finalized when the aircraft returns to India, before being authorized for their subsequent flight. Inspection during transit and power system verification are also necessary within a two-week timeframe.

Addressing Recent Events

This stringent safety initiative follows a recent unfortunate incident involving an Air India flight near Ahmedabad airport. Minister Naidu expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, assuring the public that the ministry is treating the occurrence with “the highest seriousness.”

Increased Turnaround Times Anticipated

Air India has recognized that the ongoing inspections could result in lengthened turnaround times, particularly at international airports that implement night operating curfews.

“Some of these inspections may extend turnaround time and lead to possible delays on certain long-haul routes, particularly those heading to airports with operational curfews,” stated an Air India representative on social media platform X.

So far, nine Boeing 787s have successfully completed inspections, with an additional 24 set for evaluation in line with the regulator's schedule.

Flexibility with Refunds and Rescheduling

To reduce inconvenience for passengers, Air India is providing:

• Full refunds for canceled long-haul flights
• Complimentary date modifications for those who wish to alter their travel plans

Travelers are urged to verify flight status prior to heading to the airport and utilize the airline’s official resources for assistance.

Urgency of Inspections Confirmed by Aviation Minister

In a press conference in New Delhi, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu reaffirmed the DGCA’s intensified safety approach.

“We’ve mandated extensive monitoring for all 787 aircraft. Eight have already been examined, and we are prioritizing an immediate response to complete the remaining ones,” said Naidu.

His remarks arise amidst public apprehension following a tragic accident near Ahmedabad airport. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a specialized team, including forensic and medical experts, to analyze the black box and ascertain the cause of the incident.

Enhanced Safety Measures Starting June 15

The DGCA’s revised safety standards will be implemented beginning on June 15, 2025, reflecting an overall increase in scrutiny of Boeing’s safety practices in light of multiple global events and production shortcomings in recent times.

Indian aviation regulators are adopting a zero-tolerance stance on safety, necessitating all 787s to address:

• Any repetitive technical issues from the preceding 15 days
• Additional transit inspections and power system verifications
• A comprehensive assessment of flight performance metrics

Essential Information for Travelers