Air India Cancels 7 International Flights Amid Safety Checks, Glitches

Air India, India’s national carrier now operated under the Tata Group’s leadership, is facing renewed turbulence — not in the skies, but on the ground. In what is being seen as one of its most chaotic operational days in recent memory, the airline cancelled seven international flights on Tuesday, sending thousands of passengers into confusion and frustration.

The cancellations were attributed to a mix of regulatory mandates, technical snags, and aircraft unavailability — painting a picture of mounting challenges for the carrier that has been under intense scrutiny ever since the deadly crash of its Ahmedabad-London AI-171 flight on June 12, which claimed over 270 lives.

Regulatory Crackdown and Fleet Woes

A major trigger behind Tuesday’s disruptions is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) intensified safety checks on the airline’s Boeing Dreamliner fleet. Six of the seven cancelled flights were Dreamliner-operated, including routes from Delhi to Paris, Bengaluru to London, and Delhi to Vienna.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed that enhanced inspections had led to “temporary operational constraints,” adding that safety remained the airline’s top priority.

The seventh cancellation — the Ahmedabad to London Gatwick AI-159 — was officially blamed on “aircraft unavailability,” though insiders suggest it was part of a wider post-crash reassessment of Air India’s long-haul scheduling.

Passengers Left in the Lurch

Many passengers took to social media to voice their anger, alleging poor communication, long waits at terminals, and confusion about rebooking and refunds.

“I was scheduled to fly to London from Bengaluru for a crucial medical consultation. The flight was cancelled without prior notice. No one from the airline could tell me what’s next,” said Sunita Rao, a passenger stranded at Kempegowda International Airport.

In Delhi, chaos broke out at the check-in counters after the AI-143 to Paris was abruptly cancelled. “They just said there was a ‘technical issue’ and told us to go home or wait for updates. Is this how a national carrier is supposed to function?” questioned businessman Ramesh Malhotra, who was traveling for a trade expo.

San Francisco-Mumbai Flight Hit by Engine Glitch

In a separate but equally concerning development, passengers on AI-180 — flying from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata — had to deplane after a left engine malfunction was detected during a routine post-landing check at Kolkata Airport around 12:45 AM.

Though the crew initially assured passengers that the problem would be fixed within 25 minutes, the situation dragged on for hours, leading to mounting frustration. Around 5:20 AM, the pilot officially called off the journey, asking all 211 passengers to deboard.

“The uncertainty was worse than the delay,” said Aniket Deshmukh, a tech analyst who missed a critical connecting flight to Pune. “They should have been honest upfront instead of keeping us in the dark.”

While some passengers were accommodated on alternate flights, others had to be housed in nearby hotels, with several still waiting for rerouting as of Tuesday afternoon.

Aftermath of the AI-171 Tragedy

Tuesday’s multiple disruptions come less than a week after the AI-171 tragedy — when a Boeing 787 en route to London from Ahmedabad crashed shortly after takeoff, killing more than 270 people, including 12 crew members. Preliminary investigations point toward an engine fire, though a full DGCA inquiry is underway.

The crash has sent shockwaves through India’s aviation sector and has particularly tarnished the image of Air India, once the pride of Indian skies.

Tata Group in Damage Control Mode

The Tata Group, which took over Air India in 2022 with grand plans to revamp its operations and service quality, is now facing a credibility test. In the past 18 months, the group had announced a flurry of aircraft orders, operational mergers (including with Vistara), and infrastructure upgrades.

However, the recent incidents suggest that serious systemic issues — from fleet aging and staff training to operational readiness — still plague the airline.

In an official response, Tata Sons stated:

“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our valued passengers. We are working diligently to address technical and regulatory challenges and ensure safe, timely travel for all customers. The safety of passengers and crew remains our utmost priority.”

What Lies Ahead?

Industry experts believe that Air India’s future depends on how transparently and swiftly it can resolve the current crisis. “It’s a make-or-break moment for Tata’s aviation ambitions,” said aviation analyst Kapil Gupta. “The next 10 days are crucial.”

The DGCA is expected to release a detailed safety audit report by the end of the week. Meanwhile, passengers are advised to check their flight status proactively and remain in touch with the airline’s support lines for updates.

Key Affected Flights on June 17:

• Delhi – Paris (AI-143)
• Bengaluru – London
• London – Amritsar
• Delhi – Vienna
• Delhi – Dubai
• Mumbai – San Francisco
• Ahmedabad – London Gatwick (AI-159)

If you’re an affected passenger:
Air India has assured full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options. Reach their helpline or visit the official website for assistance.