Air India reduces international flights operated by widebody by 15%: "Necessary measure after AI171 flight tragedy"
After the tragic crash of Flight AI171, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers, crew and civilians on the ground, [...]
Air India
Star Alliance
After the tragic crash of flight AI171, cost the lives of 241 passengers, crew and civilians on the ground, Air India has announced a temporary reduction of 15% of international flights operated with widebody aircraft.
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A painful but necessary measure, according to the company's statement, to restore operational stability, strengthen safety and limit passenger inconvenience.
An unprecedented tragedy
Air India expressed deep condolences for the victims of the accident and reiterated its support for the affected families, calling them part of the "big Air India family."
The company, together with India's Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Gujarat, mobilized staff and volunteers to To offer logistical and psychological assistance to the relatives of the victims, including the organization of returns with the bodies.
Enhanced security checks
Meanwhile, investigations by the AAIB (Air Accident Investigation Bureau) and DGCA (Directorate General of Indian Civil Aviation) are ongoing. At the request of the authorities, Air India has initiated extraordinary inspections of the entire Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet.
To date, 26 of the 33 aircraft have been fully inspected and declared fit for service. Checks on the remaining aircraft will be completed in the coming days.
Air India also announced preventive checks on its Boeing 777 fleet, confirming its priority commitment to passenger and crew safety.
Reducing international flights: what changes
As of yesterday and at least until mid-July 2025, Air India will reduce by 15% the international flights operated with widebody aircraft, especially Boeing 777 and 787. The first cancellations have already had an impact: 83 international flights have been canceled in the past six days, partly due to inspections, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and overnight restrictions on some European and Asian airspace.
This choice allows the company to maintain an operational reserve of aircraft, which is useful in case of further unforeseen or logistical needs.
In a nutshell, the fleet that remains operational Are the 6, brand new A350s, the ones that were supposed to kick-start the company's rebirth. And the fleet of Vistara, the company that was acquired right at the end of 2024.
Passengers will be able to reschedule free of charge
Air India has assured that all affected passengers will be notified in time and will have the choice between a free rescheduling of their trip or a full refund of their ticket.
The company also promised the release of a new updated operating schedule for international flights, effective June 20, 2025.
The message to passengers, "With your support, we will come back stronger."
"The temporary reduction of routes is a necessary step after a devastating event and a set of extraordinary circumstances," - Air India writes in a note. "With the support of our passengers, regulatory authorities, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the entire country, we will return to flying stronger than before."
