After the tragedy of AI171 in Ahmedabad, Air India trims 15% of the international service sector of wide-body aircraft

Aiming to increase efficiency and minimize passenger inconvenience, Tata Group Air India announced Wednesday that it has decided to reduce international services for its wide-body aircraft by 15% in the coming weeks. The move comes shortly after his London-killed AI171 flight crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12.

Air India said in a press release that the cuts to the above international services will take place until June 20, and thereafter at least mid-July. It noted: “This effectively increases the availability of our reserve aircraft to take care of any unplanned damage.”

Air India announces strengthening measures after Ahmedabad plane crash

Air India said enhanced safety inspections have been completed in 33 aircraft stipulated by aviation regulator DGCA. According to the airline, the 26 aircraft were cleaned up for service.

It said inspections of the remaining aircraft will be completed in the next few days.

Air India said: “The fact that 2 aircraft have been cleaned up has reassured the safety measures and procedures we follow.”

Earlier, DGCA ordered enhanced security inspections in the private airline’s Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft fleet.

Air India said, “Investigation authorities are continuing to work to find out the cause of the accident”.

“Add preventive measures”

Air India said it will also conduct enhanced security checks on its Boeing 777 fleet for additional precautions. It added: “Looking forward, we will continue to work with the authorities (Viz Aaib, DGCA) to ensure the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft, which remains our top priority.”

“Air India is still mourning…”: Tata Group Airlines’ comments on AI171 Ahmedabad crash

Tata Group Airlines said, “Mourning the tragic deaths of 241 passengers and crew on flight AI171. Our hearts are with our family, loved ones and communities affected by the accident.”

It said: “The precious life of passengers, crew members on board and people on the ground at the crash site are lost. At Air India, we believe that the family members of the deceased are part of our larger family and are fully united during these difficult times.”

It also said it is coordinating with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Gujarat government to “provide all possible efforts to support the dead and injured family members.”

“We pray for the souls that left…”

“Volunteers from Air India and Tata Group coordinate with their families in Ahmedabad to provide any assistance in the hospital and to bring them back to their respective houses with the remains of the dead. We pray for the late souls and convey our deepest condolences to our families,”

Temporary routes are reduced due to tensions in the Middle East

Air India said it has had some interference in its international operations over the past six days, resulting in 83 cancellations.

These disruptions are due to many reasons, such as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, night curfews in many countries in Europe and East Asia, ongoing enhanced safety inspections and the necessary prudent approach taken by engineers and Indian aviation pilots.

Due to these cuts, Air India said it apologized to affected passengers and it will notify them in advance and do its best to accommodate it on alternative flights.

It noted: “Pastors will also choose to reschedule travel without any fees or full refunds. According to their choice, the revised timetable for our international services will be effective from 20 June 2025.”

It also said that while these cuts are “a painful measure to be taken”, they are also necessary, “following an abnormal combination of devastating events that we are still doing and external events.”

“This is to restore operational stability and minimize the final inconvenience of passengers. With the ongoing support of our passengers, regulators, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and throughout India, we will be stronger through this tragic event and rebuild our passenger confidence and add our services to all of our services.