Why Air India’s Safety Record Is Under the Spotlight Again
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, plunging into a medical college hostel in the Meghan Nagar residential area. The tragedy, which claimed 241 of the 242 passengers and crew onboard and at least 24 lives on the ground, marked the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its debut in 2011. This catastrophic event has reignited intense scrutiny over Air India’s safety record, raising questions about maintenance practices, regulatory oversight, and the airline’s operational reliability under its new ownership by the Tata Group. This article delves into the factors contributing to the renewed focus on Air India’s safety protocols, the airline’s historical challenges, and the broader implications for India’s aviation industry.
The Ahmedabad Crash: A Catalyst for Concern
The crash of Flight AI171 was a devastating blow to Air India’s ongoing efforts to revamp its image and operations. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, issued a “Mayday” distress call moments before losing contact with air traffic control, reaching a maximum altitude of just 625 feet before plummeting into a densely populated area. The sole survivor, Shashikumar Ramesh, seated next to an emergency exit, escaped the wreckage, but the scale of the disaster—exacerbated by the plane’s heavy fuel load for the long-haul flight—has left India reeling.
Preliminary reports suggest multiple potential causes, including mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factors like a bird strike. However, posts on X and media reports have highlighted prior concerns about the aircraft’s maintenance, with allegations that India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), had issued show-cause notices to Air India over faulty oxygen cylinders and other maintenance lapses. These claims, while unverified, have fueled public outrage and speculation about systemic issues within the airline.
A Troubled History
Air India, founded in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata as Tata Airlines, has a storied legacy as India’s flag carrier. Nationalized in 1953, it faced decades of financial struggles and operational inefficiencies under government ownership. The airline’s safety record, while not consistently poor, has been marred by several high-profile incidents:
- 1988: Indian Airlines Flight 113, a Boeing 737, crashed near Ahmedabad due to pilot error and poor visibility, killing 133 people.
- 2020: Air India Express Flight 1344, a Boeing 737, skidded off a runway in Kozhikode during monsoon conditions, resulting in 21 deaths.
- 2025: The Ahmedabad crash of Flight AI171, the deadliest in recent decades, has brought renewed attention to the airline’s safety protocols.
Since its privatization in 2022 under the Tata Group, Air India has worked to modernize its fleet, improve service, and enhance safety standards. The merger with Vistara in 2024 and the introduction of new branding and aircraft, including 34 Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s, signaled a commitment to global competitiveness. However, the Ahmedabad crash has cast a shadow over these efforts, with critics pointing to a pattern of safety and compliance failures.
Regulatory Scrutiny and DGCA Warnings
The DGCA, India’s aviation regulator, has repeatedly flagged Air India for safety and operational lapses since its privatization. Posts on X and reports from sources like Business Standard indicate that the airline faced multiple fines and warnings for issues such as pilot rostering violations, inadequate training for Category III (CAT-III) operations in low-visibility conditions, and cabin discipline breaches. A particularly alarming claim, shared on X, suggests that two senior Air India captains had raised concerns about faulty oxygen cylinders on the crashed aircraft, with the DGCA directing the airline to ground it—a directive allegedly ignored.
In 2023, the DGCA uncovered lapses in Air India’s internal safety audits, including falsified reports and the use of unqualified auditors, raising questions about the airline’s commitment to rigorous safety oversight. These incidents, combined with the Ahmedabad crash, have intensified calls for stricter regulatory enforcement and accountability from both Air India and the DGCA.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner: A Double-Edged Sword
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, involved in the Ahmedabad crash, was celebrated for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology when introduced in 2011. Air India operates 27 of these aircraft, which are prized for long-haul routes. However, the Dreamliner has faced its own share of scrutiny:
- 2013: Lithium-ion battery fires led to a global grounding of the 787 fleet, prompting Boeing to redesign battery containment systems.
- 2021–2022: Deliveries were halted due to quality control issues, including improperly joined fuselage sections and foreign objects left in aircraft.
- 2024: Whistleblower Sam Saleh pour alleged assembly defects in the 787, such as fuselage gaps, that could lead to structural failure over time. While Boeing disputed these claims, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an investigation.
The Ahmedabad crash, the first fatal incident involving a 787, has amplified these concerns. Boeing has pledged support for the investigation, led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The recovery of one of the plane’s black boxes is expected to provide critical insights, but the process could take months or even years.
Systemic Issues in India’s Aviation Sector
The Ahmedabad crash highlights broader challenges in India’s rapidly growing aviation industry. With air traffic increasing and airports operating at capacity, infrastructure limitations and regulatory gaps are becoming more apparent. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, ranked among India’s busiest, was temporarily closed after the crash, underscoring the strain on facilities. Additionally, pilot training and maintenance standards across Indian carriers have faced criticism, with incidents like the 2020 Kozhikode crash pointing to deficiencies in handling adverse conditions.
The DGCA’s oversight has also come under fire. While the regulator has issued warnings and fines, critics argue that enforcement lacks teeth, allowing airlines to operate with unresolved issues. The alleged failure to ground the crashed aircraft despite known maintenance concerns raises questions about the DGCA’s ability to ensure compliance.
Public and Industry Reactions
The Ahmedabad tragedy has sparked widespread grief and anger. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with the sole survivor, Shashikumar Ramesh, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting victims’ families. The Tata Group announced ₹1 crore in compensation for each deceased passenger’s kin, and Air India is expected to pay additional compensation under the Montreal Convention. However, these measures have done little to quell public distrust.
On social media platforms like X, netizens have expressed outrage over alleged negligence, with some calling for accountability from both Air India and Boeing. The airline’s decision to darken its social media profiles, a standard protocol after major incidents, has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a gesture of respect and others as an attempt to deflect scrutiny.
Boeing, already grappling with a tarnished reputation from the 2018 and 2019 737 Max crashes, faces renewed pressure. The company’s shares dropped 8% in pre-market trading following the crash, and CEO Kelly Roberg canceled plans to attend the Paris Air Show to focus on the investigation. The incident has also reignited debates about Boeing’s safety culture and manufacturing processes, with whistleblower allegations adding fuel to the fire.
The Path Forward
As investigations proceed, Air India faces a pivotal moment. The airline has grounded its entire 787 fleet pending the inquiry, a move that could disrupt its long-haul operations but signals a commitment to safety. The AAIB, supported by international experts, will analyze the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to determine the crash’s cause. Early hypotheses include mechanical failure, possibly linked to the reported maintenance issues, or external factors like a bird strike, but definitive answers are pending.
To restore public confidence, Air India must address several key areas:
- Enhanced Maintenance Protocols: Rigorous inspections and adherence to DGCA directives are critical to preventing future incidents.
- Pilot Training: Strengthening training programs, particularly for challenging conditions, could mitigate risks during takeoff and landing.
- Transparency: Clear communication about the investigation’s findings and corrective actions will be essential to rebuilding trust.
- Regulatory Collaboration: Working closely with the DGCA and international bodies to align with global safety standards is imperative.
For India’s aviation sector, the crash underscores the need for robust infrastructure, stricter regulatory enforcement, and a culture of accountability. The DGCA must bolster its oversight mechanisms to ensure airlines prioritize safety over operational pressures. The crash of Air India Flight AI171 has thrust the airline’s safety record into the spotlight, exposing vulnerabilities in maintenance, regulatory oversight, and operational practices. While Air India has made strides under Tata Group ownership, the Ahmedabad tragedy highlights the challenges of transforming a legacy carrier with a complex history. As the investigation unfolds, the findings will not only shape Air India’s future but also influence the broader discourse on aviation safety in India and beyond. For now, the nation mourns, and the world watches, awaiting answers that could prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
Last Updated on: Friday, June 13, 2025 11:30 am by Sai Karthik Munnuru | Published by: Sai Karthik Munnuru on Friday, June 13, 2025 11:25 am | News Categories: India News, News, Trending
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