Air India and Air India Express are now offering some of the lowest fares on UAE–India routes, with prices up to 50% below those of other airlines. This move has caught the attention of many travelers in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 who want to visit India 🇮🇳 for family, business, or tourism. However, after the deadly Air India AI171 Crash on June 12, 2025, many people are worried about safety, leading to hesitation and a shift in booking patterns. The situation is changing quickly, with new rules, government action, and strong public debate as of July 31, 2025.
The Air India AI171 Crash happened just after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The London-bound Boeing 787 crashed, killing 241 of 242 people on board and 19 people on the ground. This was the worst aviation disaster in India 🇮🇳 in the last ten years. Early investigations found that both engines’ fuel switches were turned off seconds after takeoff, causing the plane to lose power right away. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are still looking into the cause.
In response, the DGCA carried out a full audit of Air India from July 1 to July 4, 2025. The audit found about 100 violations, including seven critical “Level 1” safety lapses that needed immediate action. The main problems included not enough pilot training, using simulators that were not approved, poor crew scheduling, breaking rules about rest and duty periods, flying with too few cabin crew members (even on very long flights), delays in replacing engine parts, not checking emergency equipment properly, and even forged records. The DGCA gave Air India four show-cause notices on July 23 and removed three officials from crew scheduling on June 21. The airline must fix all Level 1 issues by July 30 and all other problems by August 23. The DGCA warned that if Air India does not fix these problems, it could ground the airline’s operations.
The Indian aviation ministry, led by Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, met with Tata Sons and Air India leaders. The ministry demanded that safety decisions be made directly by those in charge, not by people “backseat driving” from behind the scenes. DGCA Chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai and other top officials are closely watching Air India’s progress in fixing these issues.
Despite these problems, Air India and Air India Express are still running a full schedule between the UAE and India 🇮🇳. Fares from Dubai to Mumbai are as low as Dh291, while other airlines charge Dh580 or more. However, there has been a rise in cancellations, delays, and other disruptions. Some flights have had to turn back mid-air, there have been air-conditioning failures, and passengers have faced long waits on the tarmac.
Many people living in the UAE 🇦🇪 are now choosing more expensive airlines like Emirates or flydubai because they are worried about safety, even though Air India’s fares are much lower. Social media is full of posts and videos about technical problems, uncomfortable flights, and baggage issues, which has made people even more concerned.
Air India Express admits there have been “occasional operational issues” but says it is working to fix them. The airline says it is investing in its fleet, maintenance, and service. Air India also says it is fully cooperating with regulators and is committed to making all the changes required by the DGCA.
For travelers, the main concern is safety. Air India now has the highest number of serious safety lapses among Indian airlines, including seven “Level 1” violations. Ongoing investigations and strict rules from the DGCA may lead to more delays, cancellations, or even a temporary grounding if the airline does not fix its problems on time. Passengers may also face discomfort due to technical issues like broken air conditioning or long waits on the ground.
While Air India and Air India Express offer the lowest fares, travelers must decide if the savings are worth the possible risks. Some people are willing to pay more for peace of mind and reliability.
For Air India, the pressure is intense. The airline must fix all Level 1 safety issues by July 30 and all other problems by August 23 or face penalties or grounding. The Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, which are stakeholders in Air India, are under pressure to improve safety management, training, and control. Leadership changes and new rules for accountability are already happening.
If you are in the UAE 🇦🇪 and thinking about flying Air India, here are some steps you should take as of July 31, 2025:
- Check the latest flight status:
Visit the official Air India and Air India Express websites or their social media pages for real-time updates on delays, cancellations, and changes. - Review safety advisories:
Look at the latest safety bulletins from the DGCA India and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). You can find these on the DGCA official website. -
Consider other airlines:
Compare Air India’s fares, reliability, and safety record with other airlines like Emirates, flydubai, and IndiGo. -
Book flexible tickets:
Choose tickets that are refundable or can be changed easily in case your flight is delayed or canceled. -
Stay informed:
Follow trusted news sources and official airline updates for the latest information.
- Contact information:
- Air India UAE Customer Service: Toll-free 800 46342 (UAE), Email: [email protected], Website: airindia.com
- Air India Express UAE: Customer support 600 555 666, Website: airindiaexpress.com
- DGCA India: dgca.gov.in
- UAE GCAA: gcaa.gov.ae
Regulators say that while big airlines may have more findings, the number and seriousness of Air India’s problems are “unusually high” and need urgent action. The aviation ministry has warned that if Air India does not comply, it could face severe penalties, including being grounded.
Industry experts believe that Air India’s safety and operational problems could hurt its ongoing overhaul under Tata and its reputation in important markets like the UAE 🇦🇪. Some say that the airline’s fast growth and merging with Vistara and Air India Express may be putting too much pressure on its safety and training systems.
Passengers and travel agents report that many people now put safety and reliability ahead of cost, especially after the Air India AI171 Crash and other recent incidents. Travel agents have seen more bookings for more expensive but safer airlines.
Looking back, Air India’s safety record has been questioned for years, but the current level of government action is new. The June 12, 2025, crash is the deadliest since the 2010 Mangalore disaster. India’s aviation sector is growing quickly, and the country is expected to become the world’s third-largest aviation market by the end of the decade. As airlines grow and merge, regulators are watching more closely.
In the short term, Air India must show it is following DGCA rules by August 23, 2025, or it could face more penalties. Travelers should be ready for more disruptions and strict checks in the coming weeks. In the long term, if Air India can fix its safety problems, it may win back trust. If not, it could lose market share or face even tougher rules. The ongoing investigation into the Air India AI171 Crash could also lead to new policies or restrictions.
Air India AI171 Crash
DGCA audit of Air India
Removal of officials
DGCA issued four show-cause notices
Deadline for fixing Level 1 issues
Deadline for fixing all other problems
Here’s a quick summary of Air India UAE–India flights as of July 31, 2025:
| Aspect | Current Status (July 31, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Fares | Lowest in market (up to 50% less than rivals) |
| Safety | Highest number of critical lapses among Indian airlines; under intense regulatory scrutiny |
| Reliability | Increased delays, cancellations, technical issues reported |
| Regulatory Action | Multiple show-cause notices, deadlines for corrective action (July 30, August 23) |
| Passenger Sentiment | Growing hesitancy, shift to more expensive alternatives |
| Airline Response | Ongoing corrective measures, public commitment to safety |
| Future Risks | Potential for further disruptions, penalties, or grounding if issues not resolved |
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, travelers should keep a close eye on official updates, think carefully about the balance between cost and safety, and choose flexible booking options until things become more stable. For more details on airline safety and regulations, visit the DGCA official website.
As the situation develops, passengers on UAE–India routes must stay alert, informed, and ready to adjust their travel plans. The choices made by airlines, regulators, and travelers in the coming weeks will shape the future of air travel between the UAE 🇦🇪 and India 🇮🇳.
Learn Today
Air India AI171 Crash → A deadly Boeing 787 crash on June 12, 2025, killing 241 passengers and crew near Ahmedabad.
DGCA → Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s regulatory authority overseeing airline safety and compliance.
Level 1 Safety Lapse → The most critical safety violation requiring immediate corrective action to prevent accidents or incidents.
AAIB → Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau investigating the causes of serious aviation accidents in India.
Crew Scheduling → The planning and assignment of flight crew duties ensuring rest and operational readiness.
This Article in a Nutshell
Air India offers lowest UAE-India fares but faces safety scrutiny after the June 2025 AI171 crash. DGCA audits reveal major lapses. Travelers are increasingly cautious, favoring reliability over prices despite Air India’s affordability, as regulatory deadlines and ongoing investigations intensify pressure to improve safety and service urgently.
— By VisaVerge.com
