Following a deadly crash that claimed 270 lives, Air India announced a reduction in international flights and pledged to improve passenger communication and internal coordination. The airline faces scrutiny from India's civil aviation authorities concerning safety and maintenance.**
Air India Reduces International Flights Amid Safety Concerns Following Tragic Crash**
Air India Reduces International Flights Amid Safety Concerns Following Tragic Crash**
Air India's decision to cut international flights comes after the devastating crash that raised alarms over its operational safety and efficiency.**
Air India, the country's flagship airline, has announced a temporary reduction of its international flights in response to the tragic crash on June 12 that resulted in the loss of at least 270 lives. The move, influenced by recent technical inspections and mounting passenger complaints, aims to stabilize operations and enhance efficiency.
The airline committed to decreasing international flight capacity by 15 percent at least through mid-July, specifically focusing on its long-haul wide-body jets. This decision comes on the heels of a directive from Indian aviation authorities urging Air India to bolster its operational standards after the crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London's Gatwick Airport.
Passengers have raised alarms regarding canceled flights, malfunctioning onboard devices, and lack of information during the crisis. The airline's disruption has been further exacerbated by the closure of airspace over Iran due to regional conflicts, which has forced longer flight routes.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation conducted technical inspections of Air India's fleet and found no major safety issues among the 33 examined Boeing 787 Dreamliners. However, it did identify several “maintenance-related issues” and emphasized the need for enhanced internal communication and passenger information sharing.
While Air India operates a fleet of 128 aircraft and manages about 1,000 flights daily across numerous international destinations—including a popular non-stop service from Delhi to New York—the latest measures are intended to prioritize passenger safety and restore confidence in its operations.
