Safety First: Air India’s 787 Checks Could Slow Down Some International Routes

Image Source: Planespotters

Air India is letting passengers know that ongoing safety checks on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet could mean longer turnaround times and possible delays, especially on certain long-haul international routes. These inspections were ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following the recent Ahmedabad crash, which has put extra focus on the Dreamliner’s safety features.

Here’s what’s happening:

So far, Air India has finished checks on nine of its Boeing 787s. The airline plans to complete inspections on the remaining 24 planes within the timeframe set by regulators.
Each aircraft is checked as it returns to India, and the inspection must be done before it can fly again. This could slow things down, particularly for flights with tight schedules or airport curfews.
The checks are thorough. Teams are looking closely at fuel systems, engine controls, hydraulics, cabin air compressors, and takeoff performance, especially on planes with GenX engines.

If your flight is affected, you may see delays or changes. Air India is offering full refunds or free rescheduling for anyone whose travel plans are disrupted.

The airline’s parent company, Tata Sons, has also announced ₹1 crore compensation for each family affected by the Ahmedabad crash and will cover medical costs for those injured.

If you’re flying with Air India soon, it’s a good idea to check your flight status before heading to the airport. The airline says it’s working to finish the checks as quickly as possible while keeping safety the top priority.

Source: Business Standard, India Today, NDTV, Fortune India, Moneycontrol