Air India Cancels 6 International Flights Amid Dreamliner Inspections Post-Crash

Air India Cancels Seven International Flights Amid Dreamliner Safety Inspections.

Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12 — which claimed 241 lives — Air India has entered a period of heightened scrutiny, leading to widespread operational disruptions. In response to intensified safety protocols and a multinational investigation, the airline cancelled seven international flights today, six of which were operated by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

The cancellations come as Indian, British, and American aviation authorities jointly investigate the Ahmedabad crash and have ordered a full inspection of Air India’s Dreamliner fleet.

Flights Cancelled as Part of Precautionary Checks
AI159 (Ahmedabad–London Gatwick) and AI170 (Gatwick–Amritsar) were cancelled due to aircraft unavailability linked to Dreamliner inspections.

AI143 (Delhi–Paris) and its return leg, AI142 (Paris–Delhi, June 18), were grounded as part of the safety review.

AI133 (Bengaluru–London Heathrow) was also cancelled today under the ongoing inspection program.

Two more Dreamliner flights — AI915 (Delhi–Dubai) and AI153 (Delhi–Vienna) — were cancelled as inspections continue.

Additionally, an Airbus-operated flight — AI2493 (Mumbai–Ahmedabad) — was cancelled on June 16 after crew exceeded their duty time limits following operational delays.

Technical Snags and Emergency Incidents Since June 12
Several Air India aircraft have faced technical issues and unscheduled returns over the past few days:

AI180 (San Francisco–Kolkata–Mumbai): A Boeing 777-200LR developed a left-engine issue during a Kolkata stopover on June 17. Passengers were deplaned safely.

AI315 (Hong Kong–Delhi): A Boeing 787-8 returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff on June 16 due to a suspected technical fault.

Delhi–Ranchi (Air India Express): A domestic flight returned to Delhi mid-air on June 16 due to an unspecified technical issue.

Emergency Landing After Bomb Threat
Flight AI379 (Phuket–Delhi) was forced to make an emergency landing in Thailand on June 14 after a bomb threat note was discovered in the aircraft lavatory. All 156 passengers were evacuated safely.

Widening Impact
The June 12 crash has triggered a wave of safety checks, fleet reviews, and regulatory oversight for Air India. With Dreamliner inspections underway and more disruptions likely, officials say passenger safety remains the top priority — even at the cost of temporary flight cancellations.