Air India has started mandatory safety inspections across its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, following the devastating Ahmedabad–London flight crash that killed at least 265 people. The plane had crashed shortly after take-off into a residential doctors’ hostel near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 since its commercial launch in 2011.
Air India Begins Mandatory 787 Safety Checks After Deadly Crash
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed detailed checks of all Dreamliner aircraft powered by GenX engines. So far, Air India has completed inspections on nine aircraft and is “on track to complete this process for the remaining 24 aircraft within the timeline provided by the regulator.”
Inspections May Cause Delays, Airline Warns
Air India has warned of possible delays on long-haul routes as the fleet undergoes checks. “Some of these checks could lead to higher turnaround time and potential delays on certain long-haul routes, especially those to airports with operating curfews,” the airline stated. They assured passengers that “customers will be duly notified about any delays,” and advised travelers to check flight statuses in advance.
To reduce inconvenience, the airline is offering full refunds for cancellations and free rescheduling for those affected.
The DGCA’s inspection list includes several critical checks:
• Fuel parameter monitoring
• Cabin air compressor inspections
• Electronic engine control system testing
• Hydraulic system serviceability checks
• Engine oil and actuator tests
• Review of take-off parameters
In the coming weeks, additional tests like power assurance checks and a new “Flight Control Inspection” will also be introduced. These precautions come after the regulator noted “repetitive snags on the Boeing Dreamliner flights during the last 15 days.”
Air India will submit detailed reports to the DGCA, which will then determine the overall airworthiness of the Dreamliner fleet.
