In the aftermath of a fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Air India is scaling back several international routes as it faces renewed flight safety concerns and mounting regional tensions affecting flights across key corridors.
The move comes just days after Flight AI-171 crashed near Delhi on June 12, killing 270 people. It was the first fatal accident involving a 787 Dreamliner since its commercial debut. The tragedy has forced the airline to re-evaluate operations and triggered heightened scrutiny from aviation authorities.
Safety Audits and Public Trust Drive Route Cuts
Following the crash, Air India has begun cancelling or suspending long-haul services to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. While demand has dipped in the wake of the accident, insiders point to ongoing fleet inspections and operational audits as the main reason for the cuts.
Chairman N. Chandrasekaran stated that the aircraft involved had “a clean engine history” and that the flight crew followed all procedures. Despite this, the DGCA has mandated precautionary checks on all Boeing 787s in India, prompting the airline to adjust its route network temporarily.
Photo by gorodenkoff from Getty Images
Geopolitical Risks Add to Operational Strain
In addition to safety checks, regional tensions affecting flights have also influenced the airline’s decision-making. Airspace disruptions over West Asia, rising military activity, and diplomatic uncertainties have made certain routes riskier or more costly to operate.
This technical and geopolitical pressure has led to a consolidation of resources on core routes, while riskier or lower-demand services are paused or rerouted.
Affected passengers have reported short-notice Air India flight cancellations, particularly on routes to Tel Aviv, Moscow, and parts of Southeast Asia. While the airline is offering rebooking options, travel agents have noted longer wait times and limited alternative seats.
Photo by Vivek Arya on Unsplash
What's Next for Air India?
The airline, currently undergoing a massive fleet overhaul under Tata Group ownership, had hoped to expand its global footprint in 2025. For now, operational stability and public reassurance are taking precedence.
Until investigation results are released and tensions ease, Air India will likely continue to center on risk management rather than route expansion.
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