Air India has completed enhanced safety inspections on its Boeing 787 fleet following the tragic crash of Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated these inspections to ensure the safety and reliability of the airline's aircraft.
The inspections focused on several critical systems, including fuel parameter monitoring, cabin air compressors, electronic engine control systems, engine fuel-driven actuators, oil systems, and hydraulic systems. These measures were implemented to address potential safety concerns and to prevent future incidents.
As of June 17, 2025, the DGCA reported that 24 of Air India's 33 Boeing 787 aircraft had successfully completed the required checks and were cleared for service. The remaining aircraft are scheduled to undergo inspections in the coming days. The DGCA emphasized that the inspections did not reveal any major safety concerns, and the aircraft and associated maintenance systems were found to be compliant with existing safety standards.
In addition to the inspections, the DGCA has instructed Air India to incorporate flight control inspections into routine transit checks until further notice. Power assurance checks are also mandated to be completed within two weeks. The airline has been advised to strengthen internal coordination across engineering, operations, and ground handling units to mitigate passenger delays resulting from maintenance issues and to strictly adhere to regulations.
The investigation into the cause of the AI171 crash is ongoing. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are crucial for determining the sequence of events leading to the accident. The DGCA has constituted a high-level committee to examine the incident in detail, and a preliminary report is expected within three months.
Air India remains fully cooperative with the ongoing investigation and continues to provide support to the families of the victims. The airline has set up Friends and Relatives Assistance Centres at Ahmedabad and Mumbai airports to assist families seeking information. For assistance, passengers can contact the dedicated hotline at 1800 5691 444 (within India) or +91 80627 79200 (for international callers).
The DGCA's proactive measures and Air India's compliance with the enhanced safety protocols underscore the industry's commitment to passenger safety and the continuous improvement of aviation standards.