Air India has recently announced the cancellation of multiple international flights, primarily due to an ongoing investigation into the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The cancellations include flights from Ahmedabad to London, Delhi to Paris, and Bengaluru to London, raising concerns among passengers and highlighting the airline’s commitment to safety.

The situation began on June 12, when a flight from Ahmedabad to London, designated AI71, suffered a severe incident shortly after takeoff, leading to the tragic loss of 241 lives, with only one survivor. Following this disaster, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated a comprehensive investigation into all Dreamliner aircraft operated by Air India. This decision was made to ensure that no technical issues exist that could compromise passenger safety.

In response to the investigation, Air India’s management has taken precautionary measures, opting to ground all Dreamliners until thorough inspections can be conducted. This process involves a complete review of the aircraft’s systems, including engines and cockpit machinery, which can be time-consuming. As a result, several aircraft remain unavailable for service, leading to the cancellation of key international flights.

The Ahmedabad to London flight, which was rescheduled and assigned a new flight number, AI159, was set to operate for the first time since the incident. However, it too was cancelled due to the ongoing technical checks. This cancellation has disappointed many passengers who had already arrived at the airport, expecting to board their flights. Reports indicate that some passengers were informed of the cancellations only upon arriving at the airport, sparking frustration and calls for better communication from the airline.

Air India has faced criticism for the late notice given to passengers about their flight cancellations. Many travelers had arrived at the airport several hours early, as required for international flights, only to learn at the last minute that their flights were cancelled. Passengers have expressed their dissatisfaction, demanding that Air India notify them in advance if flights are to be cancelled, to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

In addition to the Dreamliner issues, other aircraft types have also been scrutinized for technical glitches, further complicating the operational landscape for Air India. The DGCA has been involved in ongoing discussions with the airline to ensure that all safety protocols are followed and that the necessary inspections are completed before flights can resume.

As Air India continues to address these technical challenges, both the airline’s reputation and passenger safety remain paramount. The ongoing investigations and inspections are crucial steps to restoring confidence in the airline’s operations and ensuring that such tragedies do not occur in the future. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in the aviation industry and the need for effective communication between airlines and their passengers.