In light of this, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated precautionary examinations across the airline’s Dreamliner fleet, causing operational challenges on both domestic and international routes.
“There is a cascading operational impact. We are exercising extra caution and performing additional checks beyond the standard procedures,” a company executive disclosed to PTI under the condition of anonymity.
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DGCA data indicates that Air India has canceled a total of 83 wide-body flights since the crash, including 66 Dreamliner flights. On Tuesday, the airline announced additional cancellations, which included routes from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick and Delhi to Paris. The latter was grounded after a mandatory pre-flight inspection raised an unidentified concern.
The DGCA reported on Tuesday that oversight of the Dreamliner fleet has thus far indicated no “major safety issues.” Of the 33 aircraft in the fleet, 24 have undergone the necessary inspections, while four are currently in long-term maintenance. The remaining aircraft are expected to complete their checks soon.
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“The aircraft and its related maintenance systems were found to comply with current safety standards,” noted the DGCA in its statement. However, the regulator highlighted maintenance-related deficiencies and directed Air India to “strictly adhere to regulations.” It further urged the airline to improve coordination between engineering, operations, and ground handling teams, and to ensure that spare parts are readily available to prevent further disruptions.
Airspace restrictions in some Middle Eastern nations, implemented as a precaution, have also contributed to the delays. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the assistance of British and American aviation authorities and Boeing representatives, is actively investigating the crash.
Aviation analysts observe that this incident occurs at a critical juncture for Air India, which is currently undergoing a significant transformation aimed at reestablishing itself as a profitable and dependable international carrier.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
