Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 16: Air India announced on Tuesday that it will begin partially restoring its international flight schedule from August 1, following a temporary reduction due to enhanced safety inspections ordered after the June 12 Ahmedabad crash, which killed 260 people.

The Tata Group-owned airline had suspended several Boeing 787-operated services to conduct precautionary checks and address extended flight durations caused by airspace closures over Pakistan and the Middle East.

The carrier now plans a phased return to normal operations, with full restoration expected by October 1.

Key Changes:

• From August 1 to September 30, Air India will operate three weekly flights between Ahmedabad and London Heathrow, replacing the five weekly services currently operating to London Gatwick.
• The flight cuts had reduced Air India’s international capacity by 15%, particularly to Europe and North America, as several Boeing 787 aircraft were grounded for inspections.
• Disruptions were compounded by Iranian airspace restrictions, requiring longer detours and higher aircraft utilization.

Air India noted that passengers booked on affected flights between August 1 and September 30, 2025, are being contacted directly to offer alternative re-booking options or full refunds.

DGCA Tightens Safety Oversight

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the fuel control switch locking mechanisms in all Boeing aircraft operated by Indian carriers. The directive follows a preliminary crash investigation report by the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which found that both engines of the Ahmedabad-bound Dreamliner shut down seconds after takeoff due to fuel supply being cut off.

Air India’s Revised Operations:

With the partial restoration, the airline will now operate over 525 international flights per week, spanning 63 short-, long-, and ultra-long-haul routes.

Air India said in a statement:

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our passengers and remain committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and service. Our Safety Pause was a difficult but necessary step.”

The tragic Ahmedabad incident continues to cast a long shadow over Indian aviation, prompting renewed scrutiny and industry-wide safety enhancements.