Air India Cuts International Flights After Deadly Crash and Middle East Conflict

Key Takeaways

• Air India cuts 15% of wide-body international flights until mid-July 2025 due to crash and Middle East conflict.
• Since June 12, 83 wide-body flights canceled, including 66 Boeing 787 Dreamliners under DGCA safety inspections.
• Passengers receive full refunds, complimentary rescheduling, hotel stays, and special waivers amid ongoing flight disruptions.

Air India Cuts International Flights After Deadly Crash and Middle East Conflict: What Travelers Need to Know

Air India has announced a major reduction in its international flight schedule, cutting 15% of its wide-body aircraft operations until at least mid-July 2025. This decision comes after the tragic crash of flight AI171 and ongoing airspace restrictions caused by conflict in the Middle East. The move is already affecting thousands of travelers, with 83 wide-body flights canceled since June 12, including 66 Dreamliners. The airline, regulators, and the government are all responding with new safety checks, support for passengers, and a broader review of aviation safety in India 🇮🇳.

This article explains what happened, why these changes are happening, and what it means for passengers, families, and the future of Air India. It also provides practical steps for those affected and official resources for the latest updates.

What Happened: The Crash of Air India Flight AI171

On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad, heading to London Gatwick. The plane struck a hostel complex, causing a devastating loss of life. 241 out of 242 people on board died, and at least 29 people on the ground were also killed. Only one passenger survived, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history.

Air India immediately retired the AI171 callsign, sent relief flights for the families of victims, and deployed caregiver teams to Ahmedabad. The crash shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about the safety of Air India’s long-haul fleet, especially as the airline is in the middle of a major transformation under Tata Sons.

Why Are Flights Being Cut? Safety Inspections and Airspace Closures

After the crash, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ordered deep safety inspections of all Boeing 787 Dreamliners in Air India’s fleet. As of June 19, 24 out of 33 Dreamliners have completed these checks, with the rest expected to finish soon. Air India has also chosen to extend similar checks to its Boeing 777 aircraft, even though this is not required by the DGCA.

At the same time, ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to airspace closures. Many international routes that usually pass over the region are now blocked, forcing airlines to take longer, more expensive paths or cancel flights altogether. This double blow—safety inspections and airspace restrictions—has forced Air India to reduce its international wide-body operations by 15% until at least mid-July 2025.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these combined factors have created a perfect storm for Air India, making it impossible to keep its normal schedule without risking passenger safety or breaking regulations.

How Are Passengers Affected? Cancellations, Refunds, and Support

The impact on travelers has been immediate and widespread. Since June 12, 83 wide-body flights have been canceled, including 66 Dreamliners. Many international flights from Delhi and Mumbai have been marked as non-operational, leaving passengers scrambling to change plans or seek refunds.

Air India is offering several support measures for affected passengers:

• Full refunds for canceled flights
• Complimentary rescheduling to a later date
• Hotel accommodations for those stranded due to last-minute cancellations
• A one-time waiver for flights to or from Ahmedabad between June 12–14, 2025

Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to use Air India’s customer support portal for refunds or rescheduling. For tickets bought through travel agents or online portals, travelers should contact those agents directly.

Step-by-Step: How to Request a Refund or Reschedule

1. Go to Air India’s customer support portal for refunds.
2. Click on ‘status check on pending refund’ and enter your booking details.
3. If your ticket was issued by an Air India office, contact your nearest reservation office.
4. If you booked through a travel agent or online portal, contact them for assistance.

For the most current updates, visit Air India’s official news page and follow @airindia on X (Twitter).

Official Contacts for Passengers and Families

• Air India Passenger Hotline (India): 1800 5691 444
• Air India Passenger Hotline (International): +91 80627 79200
• Flight Status and Refunds: Air India website (Customer Support Portal)
• Official Updates: Air India News Updates page and X handle (@airindia)

For families of crash victims, these hotlines provide direct support and information. The airline has also organized relief flights and caregiver teams to assist next of kin in Ahmedabad.

What Are the Authorities Doing? Safety Reviews and Policy Changes

The crash has triggered a wave of action from Indian aviation authorities:

• DGCA Inspections: The DGCA ordered deep inspections of all Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliners. So far, no major safety concerns have been found, but the regulator has told Air India to improve internal coordination and make sure spare parts are available.
• Ministry of Civil Aviation Review: The Ministry has launched a comprehensive safety review of all Indian airlines and airport operations. This could lead to new rules or changes in how airlines maintain and operate their fleets.
• Insurance and Relief: Indian insurers like LIC, HDFC Life, ICICI Lombard, and Bajaj Allianz have made it easier for families of victims to claim insurance. A UAE-based philanthropist, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, has pledged ₹6 crore in aid for victims’ families.

These steps are meant to restore public confidence and prevent future tragedies.

The Bigger Picture: Air India’s Transformation and Industry Impact

The crash and its aftermath come at a critical time for Air India. Since Tata Sons took over in 2022, the airline has been working on a major overhaul—updating its fleet, improving service, and expanding its international reach. The deadly crash is a serious setback, but industry experts believe it will not stop Air India’s long-term plans.

Former Air India executive Jitender Bhargava called the crash a “temporary setback” and said it would not derail the airline’s ambitious growth. Air India’s management has echoed this, saying, “Curtailments are a painful measure to take, but are necessary.” The airline is performing more checks than required and is trying to accommodate as many affected passengers as possible.

Impact on the Aviation Industry

• Operational Strain: The combination of safety checks and airspace closures has increased aircraft downtime and reduced capacity. Airlines are under pressure to keep up with demand while ensuring safety.
• Passenger Anxiety: Many travelers are facing confusion, delays, and last-minute cancellations. Some are worried about the safety of flying on Dreamliners or other wide-body jets.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: The DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation are under pressure to show that safety comes first. Their response will set the tone for the industry in the coming months.

Multiple Perspectives: Passengers, Management, Regulators, and Families

Passengers

Travelers have been hit hardest by the sudden changes. Many have had to cancel or change important trips, sometimes with little notice. While Air India’s refund and rescheduling policies help, the uncertainty has caused stress and frustration.

Air India Management

The airline’s leaders say safety is their top priority, even if it means cutting flights and disappointing customers. They are also focused on supporting affected passengers and families, offering refunds, hotel stays, and special waivers.

Regulators

The DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation are working to ensure that all airlines meet strict safety standards. They have not found any major problems so far but are pushing for better coordination and faster access to spare parts.

Industry Experts

Experts see this crisis as a test of Air India’s new management and its ability to handle emergencies. Most believe the airline will recover, but only if it continues to invest in safety and communication.

Victims’ Families

Families of those lost in the crash are receiving support from both the airline and outside donors. Insurance claims are being processed more quickly, and relief funds are being distributed.

What’s Next? Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

Flight Reductions

The 15% cut in wide-body international flights is expected to last until at least mid-July 2025. This could be extended if inspections take longer or if Middle East airspace remains closed.

Ongoing Safety Reviews

The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s comprehensive review may lead to new policies or operational changes for all Indian airlines. This could include stricter maintenance rules, better training, or new reporting requirements.

Fleet Modernization

Despite the setback, Air India is moving forward with its plan to modernize its fleet and improve digital systems. The goal is to restore confidence among travelers and expand the airline’s global presence.

Passenger Communication

Air India will continue to update passengers through its website and social media channels. Travelers are encouraged to check for updates regularly, especially if they have flights booked in the coming weeks.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

If you are affected by these changes, here’s what you should do:

• Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Use Air India’s customer support portal to request refunds or reschedule your flight.
• Contact your travel agent if you booked through a third party.
• Keep receipts and records of any extra expenses (like hotel stays) in case you need to claim reimbursement.
• Stay informed by following Air India’s official updates and checking the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s website for regulatory news.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Conclusion: What This Means for Air Travelers and the Industry

The deadly crash of Air India flight AI171 and the resulting flight cuts mark a difficult moment for Indian aviation. The airline’s decision to ground part of its fleet and focus on safety shows a commitment to preventing future tragedies, even as it causes real pain for travelers. The ongoing inspections of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the broader safety review by the Ministry of Civil Aviation are important steps to restore trust.

For passengers, the best advice is to stay informed, use official channels for refunds or rescheduling, and be patient as the industry works through these challenges. For Air India, this is a test of its new management and its promise to become a world-class airline. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the coming weeks will be critical for both the airline and the wider industry as they balance safety, service, and the need to keep people moving across borders.

For the latest updates, always check Air India’s official news page and follow @airindia on X. For regulatory information and safety updates, visit the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s official website.

If you or your family are affected, use the hotlines and support resources listed above. Air India and the authorities are working to help, even as they face one of the toughest periods in the airline’s history.

Learn Today

Boeing 787 Dreamliner → A modern wide-body aircraft used by Air India for long-haul international flights.
DGCA → Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s aviation safety regulator overseeing aircraft inspections.
Wide-body aircraft → Planes with two aisles that carry more passengers on long-haul international routes.
Airspace closures → Restricted flight zones due to geopolitical conflicts affecting airline routes and schedules.
Passenger rescheduling → Allowing travelers to change flight dates or times without extra fees after cancellations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Air India drastically reduces international wide-body flights by 15% after the deadly AI171 crash and Middle East airspace issues. Over 80 flights canceled, with safety inspections and passenger support ongoing. This critical move emphasizes safety first while challenging travelers with widespread disruptions and operational changes through mid-2025.
— By VisaVerge.com