Is Air India Restoring International Flights After the Crash?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Air India has announced the partial restoration of its international flight schedule post a tragic incident in Ahmedabad. With a phased approach to resuming operations, the airline aims to ensure passenger safety and satisfaction while navigating the challenges posed by recent events.
Key Takeaways
- Air India to partially restore international flights from August 1.
- Full restoration of operations planned by October 1.
- Airline reduced flights by 15% due to safety checks.
- Proactive measures include contacting affected passengers.
- DGCA mandated checks on Boeing aircraft fuel control switches.
New Delhi, July 15 (NationPress) Air India announced on Tuesday that it plans to partially restore its international flight operations, which were temporarily scaled back for “safety checks” following the unfortunate crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. The airline will commence the resumption of select flights from August 1, with a full restoration expected by October 1.
According to the airline, “This Pause allowed Air India to conduct further precautionary inspections on its Boeing 787 fleet and to accommodate extended flying durations due to airspace restrictions over Pakistan and the Middle East,” stated the airline, which is owned by the Tata Group.
From August 1 to September 30, Air India will operate three weekly flights between Ahmedabad and London (Heathrow), down from the current five weekly flights between Ahmedabad and London (Gatwick).
The Tata Group-owned airline had reduced its flights to Europe and North America by 15 percent until mid-July to enhance its contingency aircraft availability in response to cancellations. The majority of the canceled flights involved Boeing 787 aircraft, which were grounded due to increased inspections mandated by the DGCA.
The disruption was further exacerbated by the closure of Iranian airspace.
Although the schedule reductions implemented as part of the Safety Pause were set to be in effect until July 31, 2025, the restoration of full operations will occur in phases, meaning some services initially planned between August 1 and September 30, 2025, will be omitted from the schedule.
“Air India is actively reaching out to affected passengers to provide options for rebooking on alternative flights or issuing full refunds according to their preferences. The airline apologizes for any inconvenience caused. With this partial restoration, Air India will operate over 525 international flights weekly across 63 short, long, and ultra long-haul routes,” the airline added.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to conduct inspections on the locking mechanisms of fuel control switches in their Boeing aircraft fleets. This directive follows the preliminary investigation report into last month’s tragic crash of an Air India Boeing Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives.
One crucial finding from the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau’s preliminary report indicated that the twin engines of the doomed Boeing aircraft shut down mere seconds after takeoff due to a cut-off in fuel supply.
Point of View
I believe that Air India's proactive approach to restoring its international flight services reflects a commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence. The phased restoration plan, while acknowledging the recent tragic events, demonstrates the airline's focus on transparency and accountability, ensuring that the public remains informed and reassured.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the reduction of Air India's international flights?
The reduction was implemented following a tragic crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which prompted safety checks on Boeing 787 aircraft.
When will Air India fully restore its international flights?
Air India plans to fully restore its international flight operations by October 1.
What measures is Air India taking for affected passengers?
Air India is contacting affected passengers to offer rebooking on alternative flights or full refunds as per their preference.
How many international flights will Air India operate weekly after the partial restoration?
After the partial restoration, Air India will operate over 525 international flights per week.
What safety measures are being implemented by the DGCA?
The DGCA has instructed airlines to conduct checks on the locking mechanisms of fuel control switches in Boeing aircraft.
