Air India Slashes Flights As Grief, Safety Demands Collide After Ahmedabad Crash
New Delhi: Air India has begun trimming its international flight operations in the wake of the recent tragedy that still grips the country. Reeling from the devastating crash of Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad that claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, the airline is making sweeping operational adjustments while mourning those lost.
In a statement, the airliner said, 'Our hearts are with the families, loved ones and communities affected by the accident.'
As families continue to grieve and identify their loved ones, the airline described the victims and their kin as members of its extended family. Support teams, including Tata Group volunteers, remain stationed in Ahmedabad to assist relatives at hospitals and help with transport arrangements for the deceased.
'We pray for the departed souls and convey our deepest condolences to the families,' the company said.
While the nation mourns, the airline is simultaneously navigating a safety overhaul. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a full 'Enhanced Safety Inspection' of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet. Of the 33 widebody aircraft in this category, 26 have cleared inspection, with the rest undergoing checks.
Air India also confirmed that its Boeing 777 aircraft will now face similar scrutiny as part of a wider risk-control push.
'The remaining inspections are expected to be finalised in the coming days, providing reassurance about the safety measures and procedures followed by the airline,' the statement added.
Operational Cutbacks Begin
With engineering teams focused on safety inspections and flight crews operating under strict guidelines, the strain on the airline's resources has grown acute. Add to that night-time airspace restrictions over several countries due to Middle East tensions and the domino effect becomes clearer.
Over the past six days, these combined pressures have led to 83 flight cancellations. Now, Air India has taken the decision to proactively reduce international operations on widebody aircraft by 15%.
This step, in place from now until at least mid-July, is being positioned as a stabilising measure – one that will allow the airline to build in more reserve capacity and protect the rest of its operations from last-minute disruptions.
Refunds Offered
Affected passengers will be contacted in advance and given options to rebook at no additional charge or to receive a full refund. The revised schedule, starting June 20, will be announced soon.
Air India issued an apology, saying it regrets the inconvenience but is acting in the interest of operational reliability and safety.
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