Air India races to complete 'one-time' Boeing 787 safety checks
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New Delhi: Air India on Saturday confirmed it is in the process of completing one-time safety inspections for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, in compliance with the directive issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The move follows the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171, bound for London from Ahmedabad.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the airline said nine of its Boeing 787 aircraft have already undergone the mandated safety checks and that inspections on the remaining 24 aircraft are on track to be completed within the timeline specified by the regulator.
“Air India is in the process of completing the one-time safety checks directed by the Indian aviation regulator, DGCA. These checks are being carried out on the Boeing 787 fleet as they return to India, before being cleared for their next operations,” the statement said.
The airline noted that the additional inspections may increase turnaround times and could result in delays, especially on long-haul international flights that operate under tight airport curfews. Passengers are being advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Affected customers are being offered either full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options.
The DGCA’s order for enhanced inspections applies to all of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fitted with Genx engines. The directive, issued following Thursday’s fatal crash, includes preventive maintenance measures involving detailed checks of the aircraft’s fuel systems, cabin air compressors, hydraulic systems, flight control systems, and engine components.
The inspections are to commence from June 15, and Air India is required to submit compliance reports to the DGCA. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Tata Sons, which owns Air India, has reiterated its commitment to supporting victims and their families. The group has pledged ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of each individual who lost their life in the crash — including passengers, crew members, and people on the ground. A Tata Sons spokesperson added that the company will cover the full medical expenses of all injured individuals, ensuring they receive appropriate care and long-term assistance.
With IANS inputs
