Air India cuts 15% international flights after Ahmedabad plane crash, cites safety checks and operational caution
Air India
will reduce its international services operated by widebody aircraft by 15% over the next few weeks, as part of a broader effort to stabilise operations and prioritise safety in the wake of the recent crash of flight AI171, the company announced on Wednesday.
The airline has cited multiple overlapping challenges, including mandatory safety inspections, regional night airspace curfews, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and a cautious operating posture adopted by engineering and cockpit teams. The temporary reduction will begin immediately and continue at least through mid-July.
'This decision has been taken to ensure stability of our operations, improve efficiency, and minimise inconvenience to passengers,' the airline said in a statement on June 18, 2025. Over the last six days, Air India has cancelled 83 international flights due to the compounding operational constraints.
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Passengers affected by the reduced flight schedule will be offered alternative travel options, including rebooking at no additional cost or a full refund. The revised international schedule, effective from 20 June 2025, will be released shortly.
Focus on safety, inspections
The airline confirmed that 26 out of its 33 Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft have completed enhanced safety checks mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following the crash. The remaining aircraft are undergoing inspections and are expected to be cleared soon. Air India has also extended similar checks to its Boeing 777 fleet as a precaution.
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'We continue to work closely with DGCA, AAIB and the
Ministry of Civil Aviation
to ensure the highest safety standards for our passengers, crew and aircraft,' the airline said.
Ongoing support for victims' families
Air India reiterated its deep sorrow over the loss of 241 lives in the AI171 tragedy. The airline is working with the Government of Gujarat to provide support to families of victims and the injured, it said.
Tata Group
and Air India volunteers are deployed in Ahmedabad to assist with hospital coordination and facilitate the dignified return of mortal remains.
'We consider the families of those lost as part of our own and remain fully committed to supporting them through this tragedy,' Air India stated.
The airline acknowledged the inconvenience to passengers caused by the temporary service reductions but underlined that the move was necessary to maintain safety, resilience, and reliability in its global operations.
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