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New Delhi, June 17, 2025 – Air India is once again in the spotlight after cancelling five major international flights operating on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, just days after a catastrophic crash in Ahmedabad raised serious safety concerns. As aviation authorities tighten scrutiny over aircraft safety protocols, today’s cancellations have caused fresh disruptions for hundreds of international travellers.
The cancellations affected long-haul routes connecting London, Paris, Vienna, Dubai, and San Francisco, sending ripple effects across global airports and raising questions about the fleet health of the national carrier.
Full List of Cancelled Flights Today
According to official sources and airport listings, the following international Air India flights were grounded on June 17:
- AI 159: Ahmedabad → London Gatwick (Boeing 787–8)
- AI 170: London Gatwick → Amritsar (Boeing 787–8)
- AI 143: Delhi → Paris (Boeing 787–8)
- AI 915: Delhi → Dubai (Boeing 787–8)
- AI 153: Delhi → Vienna (Boeing 787–8)
- AI 179: Mumbai → San Francisco (Boeing 777)
Each of the affected flights involved either the Dreamliner 787–8, known for its long-haul capabilities, or the Boeing 777, another wide-body aircraft crucial to Air India’s global operations.
Recent Crash Linked to Fleet-Wide Inspections
The latest cancellations are believed to be fallout from the June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash involving a Boeing 787 operated by Air India on its London-Ahmedabad route. The crash claimed the lives of 241 people onboard, in addition to over 38 fatalities on the ground.
This tragic incident triggered nationwide aircraft inspections mandated by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), focusing primarily on the Dreamliner fleet due to similarities in airframe and system architecture.
While initial reports pointed to potential technical malfunctions, sources close to the DGCA investigation also cited possible lapses in routine maintenance and pre-flight inspection protocols.
Air India is Official Response
An Air India spokesperson told Hindustan Times that today’s flight cancellations were due to “aircraft unavailability” and not because of any fresh mechanical issues.
“This is a precautionary measure amid heightened safety reviews. All affected passengers are being accommodated on alternate flights or offered full refunds. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our utmost priority,” the spokesperson said.
Ripple Effects Across the Global Travel Network
The grounding of flights has affected hundreds of passengers, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), business travellers, and summer tourists, particularly those flying to Europe and North America.
Travel operators across India are facing heavy cancellations. According to a report in the Times of India, more than 40 tour groups planning to travel from Ranchi alone have either postponed or cancelled their Europe itineraries, citing safety concerns and airspace restrictions following the crash and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
What’s the Issue with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has long been praised for its fuel efficiency and extended range, making it ideal for transcontinental routes. However, a series of incidents over the past few years—ranging from battery fires to turbine wear issues—has made the model a topic of ongoing regulatory concern.
In India, the Dreamliner is the backbone of Air India’s long-haul operations, with over 27 aircraft of this model in service. Industry insiders suggest that following the Ahmedabad crash, a number of these aircraft have been pulled for extended technical evaluation and flight-worthiness certifications.
Air India’s Growing Troubles
Despite recent acquisitions by the Tata Group and attempts to modernize its fleet and operations, Air India has struggled with flight punctuality, service quality, and now, safety perception.
The DGCA has reportedly ordered 360-degree inspections of all wide-body jets in Air India’s inventory, including the Dreamliners and the Boeing 777 series. In a statement, DGCA Chief Arun Kumar said:
“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to fleet integrity. No aircraft will fly unless it has passed every parameter of safety compliance.”
What Aviation Experts Say
Aviation analyst Captain Mohan Reddy, a retired pilot with over 25 years of experience flying Boeing aircraft, explained:
“Dreamliners are sophisticated jets. But like all aircraft, they are only as safe as their last maintenance cycle. Post-crash reviews and flight cancellations, while inconvenient, are the right call for passenger safety.”
What Should Passengers Know?
Travellers booked on international routes operated by Air India are advised to:
- Check flight status regularly on Air India’s official website
- Contact customer service for rebooking or full refunds
- Avoid booking on 787-operated routes for the next 10–15 days if flexibility is an option
- Explore alternate airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, or British Airways, though most major carriers are also rerouting flights due to ongoing Middle East tensions
Global Implications: Geopolitical Tensions Worsening Flight Chaos
The Air India cancellations are unfolding in tandem with rising tensions in the Middle East airspace. Multiple airlines, including Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines, are rerouting aircraft to avoid conflict zones over Iran and Israel.
This has resulted in:
- Increased fuel costs
- Delayed arrivals
- Cancelled or diverted flights on long-haul routes between Asia and Europe
With Indian carriers like Air India already dealing with internal fleet shortages, the international aviation landscape is bracing for weeks of uncertainty.
Conclusion
Today’s cancellation of five Air India Dreamliner flights underscores the airline’s ongoing operational crisis post the deadly Ahmedabad crash. While airline authorities emphasize that safety comes first, the disruption to passengers, tourism, and global travel logistics is already mounting.
As regulators, engineers, and aviation experts double down on safety protocols, the coming weeks will determine whether Air India can regain public confidence and restore full international operations.
Stay updated on flight changes and official advisories to ensure a smooth travel experience.
