Air India’s Boeing 787 Fleet Gets Green Light After Rigorous Safety Review
After a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India’s aviation regulator swung into action. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered Air India to conduct sweeping safety checks on its entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners—an effort that has now largely wrapped up with a clean bill of health for most aircraft.
Enhanced Inspections Underway
Shortly after the tragic incident, the DGCA mandated that Air India carry out thorough safety inspections on all 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft in its fleet. By June 17, 24 planes had already cleared these “enhanced safety inspections,” with two more expected to finish soon and another slated for June 18. Four additional aircraft are currently undergoing major maintenance and will be inspected before returning to service, while two grounded planes in Delhi will be checked once they’re deemed airworthy.
No Major Safety Concerns Found
Despite the gravity of the Ahmedabad crash, the DGCA announced that its surveillance did not uncover any significant safety issues with Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet. The regulator confirmed that both the aircraft and their maintenance systems meet current safety standards. “The aircraft and associated maintenance systems were found to be compliant with existing safety standards,” the DGCA stated.
Airlines Urged to Tighten Internal Coordination
While the inspections did not flag systemic problems, the DGCA did express concerns about recent maintenance issues and urged Air India to strengthen internal coordination among engineering, operations, and ground handling teams. The regulator also advised the airline to ensure adequate spare parts are available to minimize passenger delays and to strictly comply with all regulations.
Passengers May Face Minor Delays
Air India has warned that the ongoing safety checks could lead to longer turnaround times and potential delays, particularly on long-haul routes. The airline is proactively notifying affected passengers and offering options for refunds or complimentary rescheduling. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status online before heading to the airport16.
Looking Ahead
With the bulk of the inspections complete, Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet is back on track. The DGCA’s swift response and the airline’s transparency have reassured passengers, but the regulator continues to push for even higher safety standards and better internal communication to prevent future disruptions.
Key Takeaways
Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet passes DGCA safety checks.
No major safety concerns found after enhanced inspections.
Minor delays possible as inspections wrap up.
DGCA urges stronger internal coordination and better spare parts management.
Passengers offered refunds or rescheduling for affected flights.
