Key Takeaways
• DGCA inspected 27 of 33 Air India Boeing 787s after Flight AI 171 crash, finding no major safety issues.
• 66 flights were canceled June 12–17 due to inspections, Iranian airspace closure, and European night curfews.
• DGCA recommended better coordination, spare parts availability, and real-time defect reporting to Air India.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has completed a sweeping review of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet after the tragic crash of Flight AI 171 on June 12, 2025. This event, which claimed the lives of 241 people onboard and at least 19 on the ground, sent shockwaves through the aviation community and raised urgent questions about the safety of one of India’s most important aircraft fleets. In the days following the crash, the DGCA moved quickly to inspect Air India’s 33 Boeing 787s, aiming to reassure the public and ensure that no similar risks existed elsewhere in the fleet.
No Major Safety Issues Found in Air India’s Boeing 787 Fleet
The DGCA’s inspections, which covered 24 aircraft by June 17 and were set to include three more by June 18, found no major safety concerns or systemic faults. According to the DGCA, “the aircraft and associated maintenance systems were found to be compliant with existing safety standards.” This means that, based on current checks, Air India’s Boeing 787s are considered safe to fly.
The inspections were part of an “enhanced surveillance” program, which means the DGCA looked more closely at both the planes and the way Air India maintains them. The remaining six aircraft—two grounded and four undergoing major maintenance—will be inspected before they return to service.
Why Were These Inspections Necessary?
The crash of Flight AI 171 was a rare and devastating event. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Both black boxes—the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—were recovered, and investigators are now examining technical details such as engine thrust, flap settings, and why the landing gear stayed down. There are also questions about the emergency ram air turbine system, which may have been activated before the crash, suggesting a possible dual engine or electrical failure.
Given the seriousness of the crash, the DGCA ordered immediate inspections of all Air India Boeing 787s. This was done to make sure there were no hidden problems that could put other flights at risk.
Flight Disruptions and Passenger Impact
The inspections, along with other factors like Iranian airspace closures and European night curfews, led to the cancellation of at least 66 Dreamliner-operated flights between June 12 and June 17. Routes affected included London-Amritsar, Delhi-Dubai, Bengaluru-London, Delhi-Vienna, and Delhi-Paris. These disruptions caused inconvenience for thousands of passengers, many of whom had to change their travel plans at short notice.
Air India responded by offering hotel accommodation, full refunds, or free rescheduling for affected passengers. The DGCA also reminded the airline of its duty to keep passengers informed about delays and cancellations, and to provide timely updates and support.
DGCA’s Recommendations for Air India
While the DGCA did not find any major safety issues, it did identify areas where Air India could improve. The regulator advised the airline to:
- Strengthen coordination between engineering, operations, and ground handling teams
- Ensure adequate spare parts are available to avoid delays
- Implement a better defect reporting system that works in real time
These steps are meant to help Air India handle maintenance more smoothly and reduce the risk of future delays or technical problems.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the head of the DGCA, has been leading the regulatory response. He stated, “The recent surveillance conducted on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet did not reveal any major safety concerns. The aircraft and associated maintenance systems were found to be compliant with existing safety standards.”
Air India’s chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, emphasized that the crashed aircraft had a “clean history” with no previous maintenance issues. The right engine was newly installed in March 2025, and the left engine was last serviced in 2023. Air India is working closely with investigators and has set up a peer support group for crew members affected by the crash.
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has also offered technical expertise to help Indian authorities with the investigation. This shows the global aviation community’s interest in making sure the investigation is thorough and transparent.
Background: Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner Fleet
Air India operates 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the oldest aircraft acquired in 2012. The crashed plane, registered as VT-ANB, entered service in 2014. The Dreamliner fleet is central to Air India’s international operations, connecting India to major cities around the world. Until now, the fleet has not faced any major safety concerns.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. However, like all modern aircraft, it requires careful maintenance and regular checks to ensure safety.
Ongoing Investigation: What’s Next?
The investigation into the crash of Flight AI 171 is still underway. Both black boxes have been recovered, and experts are analyzing data related to:
- Engine thrust: How much power the engines were producing at the time of the crash
- Flap configuration: The position of the wing flaps, which affect lift and control
- Landing gear: Why the landing gear remained extended during the flight
- Emergency systems: Whether the ram air turbine, which provides emergency power, was activated
Investigators are also reviewing pilot and dispatcher training records to see if human factors played a role. The findings from the black boxes and training records are expected to provide more answers in the coming weeks.
Operational and Policy Changes
The DGCA’s recommendations are likely to lead to changes in how Air India manages maintenance and defect reporting. By improving coordination between different teams and making sure spare parts are always available, the airline can reduce delays and improve reliability.
The DGCA has also reminded Air India of its responsibility to communicate clearly with passengers during disruptions. This includes providing timely updates, offering support, and making sure passengers are not left in the dark when flights are delayed or canceled.
Support for Crew Members
The crash has had a deep impact on Air India’s crew members. In response, the airline has set up a dedicated peer support group, which includes former Air Force officers and experienced pilots. This group provides mental health counseling and pre-flight support for crew members who may be struggling after the tragedy.
International Collaboration
The involvement of IFALPA and other international experts highlights the importance of global cooperation in aviation safety. By working together, Indian authorities and international organizations can ensure that the investigation is thorough and that any lessons learned are shared with airlines and regulators around the world.
Implications for Passengers and the Public
For passengers, the main concern is safety. The DGCA’s findings—that no major safety issues were found in Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet—should provide some reassurance. However, the ongoing investigation means that more information may come to light in the future.
Flight disruptions are likely to decrease as inspections are completed and aircraft return to service. Air India has promised to continue supporting affected passengers with refunds, rescheduling, and accommodation as needed.
Industry and Regulatory Perspectives
Aviation experts note that while no systemic issues have been found so far, the investigation is not over. Rare, aircraft-specific technical failures cannot yet be ruled out. The DGCA’s quick response and thorough inspections have been praised, but the regulator remains watchful about maintenance practices and operational reliability.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the DGCA’s actions reflect a growing trend among aviation regulators worldwide to act quickly and transparently after major incidents. This helps maintain public trust and ensures that any potential risks are addressed before they can cause further harm.
Step-by-Step: How the DGCA Responded After the Crash
- Crash Occurs (June 12, 2025): Air India Flight 171 crashes shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
- Immediate Response: The DGCA orders enhanced safety inspections of Air India’s entire Boeing 787 fleet.
- Inspections Conducted: By June 17, 24 aircraft are inspected; three more are scheduled for June 18, with the rest to follow.
- Operational Review: The DGCA holds meetings with Air India and Air India Express executives to review maintenance and operational practices.
- Public Communication: Both the DGCA and Air India issue statements to inform the public about findings and passenger support measures.
- Ongoing Investigation: Black boxes are recovered, and technical analysis begins, including a review of pilot and dispatcher training records.
Quantitative Data: The Numbers Behind the Inspections
- Total Air India 787s: 33
- Aircraft Inspected (as of June 17): 24
- Additional Inspections (by June 18): 3
- Remaining (grounded/under maintenance): 6
- Flights Cancelled (June 12–17): 66+
- Fatalities in AI 171 Crash: 241 onboard, 19+ on ground
- Survivors: 1
Looking Ahead: What Passengers and Stakeholders Can Expect
As the remaining Boeing 787s are inspected and returned to service, flight schedules should return to normal. The ongoing investigation will continue to focus on technical and operational factors, and any new findings will be shared with the public.
The DGCA’s recommendations may lead to more robust maintenance oversight and improved defect reporting at Air India. This could help prevent future incidents and improve the reliability of the airline’s operations.
International collaboration, including support from pilot associations like IFALPA, will help ensure that the investigation is as thorough as possible. This is important not just for Air India, but for the global aviation community.
Practical Guidance for Passengers
If you are booked on an Air India Boeing 787 flight, here are some steps you can take:
- Check your flight status regularly on Air India’s official website or app
- Sign up for flight alerts to receive real-time updates about delays or cancellations
- Contact Air India customer service if your flight is affected; you may be eligible for a refund, rescheduling, or hotel accommodation
- Stay informed by following updates from the DGCA and Air India
For official updates and more information about aviation safety standards in India, you can visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s official website.
Conclusion: Safety, Transparency, and Ongoing Vigilance
The DGCA’s enhanced inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet have found no major safety issues, allowing most of the fleet to return to service. While the investigation into the Flight AI 171 crash continues, passengers can take some comfort in the regulator’s thorough approach and the airline’s efforts to support both passengers and crew.
The tragedy has highlighted the importance of strong maintenance practices, clear communication, and international cooperation in aviation safety. As new information emerges, both the DGCA and Air India are expected to keep the public informed and to make any necessary changes to ensure the safety and reliability of their operations.
For travelers, the key takeaway is to stay informed, know your rights, and trust that both regulators and airlines are working to keep you safe. The aviation community’s response to this crisis shows a commitment to learning from tragedy and making air travel safer for everyone.
Learn Today
DGCA → India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, responsible for aviation safety and regulatory oversight.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner → A modern, fuel-efficient aircraft used by Air India for international routes since 2012.
Enhanced surveillance → An intensified inspection program focused on aircraft and maintenance system compliance standards.
Ram air turbine → Emergency device that deploys to provide power in dual engine or electrical failures.
Flight data recorder → A ‘black box’ device recording flight parameters for crash investigations and safety analysis.
This Article in a Nutshell
After Air India Flight AI 171 crashed in June 2025, the DGCA’s urgent Boeing 787 inspections found no major safety faults, reassuring passengers. Flight cancellations affected thousands, but Air India offered refunds and accommodations. The ongoing investigation continues with global cooperation to enhance aviation safety and operational transparency worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
