Key Takeaways
• Air India flight AI-187 dropped nearly 900 feet shortly after takeoff on June 14, 2025, but landed safely.
• DGCA grounded both pilots and launched a safety audit after two serious Air India incidents in days.
• Investigation into AI-171 crash with about 270 deaths continues; ICAO is an observer for transparency.
On June 14, 2025, Air India flight AI-187, a Boeing 777 traveling from Delhi to Vienna, experienced a sudden and dramatic drop of nearly 900 feet shortly after takeoff. This event happened just 38 hours after the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of about 270 people. The close timing of these two serious incidents has put Air India and Indian aviation safety under intense public and regulatory scrutiny.
What Happened on Flight AI-187?
Air India’s flight AI-187 took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, heading for Vienna. Not long after takeoff, the aircraft suddenly lost almost 900 feet in altitude. This sharp drop triggered several warning systems in the cockpit, including stall and ground proximity alerts. The plane’s systems repeatedly warned the pilots with “Don’t sink” messages, which are designed to alert the crew when the aircraft is dangerously close to the ground or losing altitude too quickly.
Despite these warnings and challenging weather conditions, the pilots managed to regain control of the aircraft. They stabilized the flight and continued the journey, eventually landing safely in Vienna after about nine hours. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew, but the seriousness of the event led to immediate action from Indian aviation authorities.
Immediate Regulatory Response
As soon as the incident was reported, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)—India’s main aviation regulator—took swift action:
- Both pilots were immediately grounded (de-rostered) while a full investigation began.
- The DGCA summoned Air India’s Head of Safety to explain what happened and what steps the airline was taking to prevent similar incidents.
- A detailed investigation was launched to look at possible causes, including weather, mechanical problems, or pilot error.
The DGCA’s quick response shows how seriously aviation safety is taken in India, especially after two major incidents in such a short time.
Context: The Ahmedabad Crash Two Days Earlier
Just two days before the AI-187 incident, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on its way to London Gatwick. The aircraft reached only 625 feet before losing altitude and crashing into a building less than a mile from the runway. The crash killed about 270 people, including 241 passengers and nearly all crew members.
This disaster led to a large-scale investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) joining as an observer. The involvement of ICAO, a United Nations agency, shows India’s commitment to transparency and international safety standards.
Safety Audit and Ongoing Concerns
In response to these back-to-back incidents, the DGCA began a comprehensive safety audit of Air India’s main base in Gurugram on June 23, 2025. The audit covers:
- Flight operations
- Flight planning and scheduling
- Crew rostering (how pilots and crew are assigned to flights)
- The Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC), which manages daily airline operations
Early findings from the audit have raised several concerns:
- Recurring maintenance issues across Air India’s fleet
- Inadequate defect rectification, meaning some technical problems were not fixed properly or quickly enough
- Multiple technical snags reported in June 2025, including a burning smell in the cockpit of an Air India A321 near Mumbai on June 27
These findings suggest that Air India may need to improve its maintenance and safety procedures. The DGCA’s ongoing investigation could lead to stricter inspections, better maintenance rules, and changes in how Air India operates its flights.
Stakeholder Reactions and Official Statements
- Air India confirmed the AI-187 incident and said the pilots acted quickly to stabilize the aircraft. The airline reported the event to the DGCA as required and is fully cooperating with the investigation.
- DGCA launched immediate investigations into both the Ahmedabad crash and the Delhi–Vienna incident. The regulator grounded the involved pilots and summoned Air India’s Head of Safety for further explanation.
- AAIB is leading the investigation into the Ahmedabad crash, with ICAO providing technical assistance as an observer.
- ICAO’s observer status in the Ahmedabad crash probe brings international expertise and helps ensure the investigation meets global standards.
Aviation Safety Trends and Industry Analysis
While these incidents are deeply concerning, it’s important to remember that 2025 is still one of the safest years in commercial aviation history. According to aviation experts, fatal crashes are now extremely rare, and the overall accident rate continues to fall. The Air India Dreamliner crash is the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 since the aircraft began flying in 2011.
However, these events have renewed scrutiny of Boeing’s safety culture, especially after earlier problems with the 737 Max and other technical issues reported in 2024. Airlines, regulators, and manufacturers are all under pressure to show that they are doing everything possible to keep passengers safe.
Practical Implications for Passengers
For travelers, these incidents may cause worry, but there are some practical things to keep in mind:
- No immediate changes to flight schedules have been announced, but passengers may face delays or cancellations as Air India increases inspections and maintenance checks.
- If your flight is delayed or canceled, you may be eligible for compensation under both Indian and European Union rules. It’s a good idea to check with Air India’s customer service or visit their official website for the latest updates and information about your rights.
- Airlines are required to report all serious incidents to regulators, and investigations are made public to keep passengers informed.
Implications for Air India
Air India now faces:
- Intense regulatory oversight from the DGCA and possibly other international bodies
- Potential operational restrictions if safety problems are found
- Damage to its reputation, which could affect passenger trust and bookings
- The need to make changes based on audit findings, such as improving maintenance, updating training for pilots and crew, and reviewing safety procedures
Impact on Pilots and Crew
- Pilots involved in the AI-187 incident have been grounded while the investigation continues.
- There may be changes to how pilots are trained, especially in handling emergencies and using cockpit warning systems.
- Maintenance and operational procedures could be updated to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Step-by-Step: What Happens After a Major Aviation Incident
When a serious incident like the AI-187 plunge or the AI-171 crash occurs, there is a clear process that airlines and regulators follow:
- Immediate Reporting:
The pilots and airline must report the incident to the DGCA and other relevant authorities right away. -
Pilot Grounding:
The crew involved are taken off flying duties until the investigation is complete. -
Data Collection:
Investigators collect and analyze flight data and cockpit voice recordings to understand what happened. -
Regulatory Audit:
The DGCA conducts a detailed audit of the airline’s operations, maintenance, and safety procedures. -
Stakeholder Summons:
Airline safety officials and other key staff are called in to explain the incident and answer questions. -
Public Disclosure:
The findings are shared with the public and international organizations as needed. -
Corrective Actions:
Based on the investigation, new safety measures, training, or operational changes are put in place. -
Ongoing Monitoring:
The airline is closely watched by regulators until it can show that all problems have been fixed.
Broader Industry and Policy Impact
The close timing of these two Air India incidents has led to calls for:
- Stricter oversight of airline maintenance and safety procedures
- Better training for pilots and crew, especially in handling emergencies
- More transparency in how incidents are reported and investigated
The DGCA’s ongoing investigation may result in new rules for all Indian airlines, not just Air India. These could include more frequent inspections, tougher penalties for safety violations, and higher standards for pilot training.
International Involvement and Best Practices
The presence of ICAO as an observer in the Ahmedabad crash investigation brings international expertise and helps ensure that the probe meets the highest standards. This could lead to the adoption of best practices from other countries and make Indian aviation even safer in the long run.
What Should Passengers and the Public Do?
- Stay informed by checking official sources like the DGCA website for updates on investigations and safety measures.
- If you have a flight booked with Air India, monitor your booking for any changes or delays.
- Know your rights regarding compensation for delays or cancellations, especially if you are flying to or from the European Union.
- Remember that flying remains one of the safest ways to travel, and incidents like these are rare.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Air India and Indian Aviation?
The results of the DGCA’s investigations into both the Delhi–Vienna incident and the Ahmedabad crash are expected in the coming weeks. These findings could lead to:
- Industry-wide safety improvements for all Indian airlines
- Stricter maintenance and operational standards at Air India
- Possible changes in how pilots are trained and assigned to flights
- Greater international cooperation on aviation safety
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these events have put a spotlight on the importance of strong safety systems and quick regulatory action. The aviation industry is watching closely to see how Air India and Indian authorities respond.
Official Contacts for More Information
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
dgca.gov.in | Emergency Contact: +91-11-24622495 -
Air India Customer Service:
airindia.com | 24×7 Helpline: 1860 233 1407 (India) -
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB):
aaib.gov.in
Key Takeaway
The 900 feet plunge of Air India’s flight AI-187 on June 14, 2025, just days after a deadly crash, has led to a major regulatory response. Pilots have been grounded, a full safety audit is underway, and investigations are ongoing. Passengers, crew, and the public can expect more updates soon, along with possible changes to airline safety rules and procedures. For now, staying informed and understanding your rights as a traveler are the best steps you can take.
Conclusion
The recent events involving Air India—especially the sharp drop experienced by flight AI-187 and the tragic crash of AI-171—have shaken confidence in Indian aviation safety. However, the strong response from regulators, the involvement of international experts, and the ongoing safety audit show that authorities are taking these incidents very seriously. While the investigations continue, passengers should remain alert but reassured that flying remains safe, and that every effort is being made to prevent future incidents.
For the latest updates on aviation safety, official investigations, and your rights as a passenger, visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s official website.
Learn Today
DGCA → India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, responsible for regulating aviation safety and standards.
Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC) → Facility managing daily airline flight operations, crew scheduling, and maintenance coordination.
ICAO → International Civil Aviation Organisation, a UN agency overseeing global aviation safety standards and investigations.
Pilot Grounding → Temporary removal of pilots from flying duties during investigations to maintain safety and integrity.
Stall Warning → Cockpit alert indicating the aircraft is losing lift and risks stalling if not corrected promptly.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 14, 2025, Air India flight AI-187 suddenly lost 900 feet altitude after takeoff but landed safely. This followed the deadly AI-171 crash days earlier. The DGCA responded with pilot grounding and a full safety audit amid mounting concerns over maintenance and safety protocols.
— By VisaVerge.com
