Air India has cancelled several domestic and international flights, including two services from Dubai to India, as part of a broader reduction in operations prompted by enhanced maintenance checks and ongoing safety inspections.
The airline confirmed that flights AI906 from Dubai to Chennai and AI2204 from Dubai to Hyderabad are among the international services affected. Other cancellations include international flight AI308 from Delhi to Melbourne, and domestic routes AI874 (Pune to Delhi), AI456 (Ahmedabad to Delhi), AI2872 (Hyderabad to Mumbai), and AI571 (Chennai to Mumbai), according to ANI.
The disruption comes in the wake of last week’s fatal crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which claimed 241 lives, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade. One passenger survived, while around 30 people on the ground were also killed.
In a statement released on June 18, Air India said it would cut international operations on its widebody fleet by 15% over the coming weeks, citing “enhanced maintenance procedures and ongoing operational reviews.” The airline confirmed that 26 of its 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft have undergone full inspections and have been cleared to return to service.
“These cuts are effective immediately and are expected to continue through at least mid-July,” the Tata Group-owned airline said. “They are necessary to ensure stability of operations, improve efficiency, and minimise inconvenience to passengers as we prioritise safety and reliability.”
Aviation authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the AI171 crash. Preliminary reports suggest possible mechanical failure during takeoff, but officials have not yet released a final conclusion.
Passenger advocacy groups have urged transparency and swift action to restore confidence in the carrier’s safety record. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has increased oversight of all Indian carriers operating Boeing 787s and is closely monitoring compliance with safety protocols.
Air India has advised affected passengers to check flight status updates on the airline’s website or contact customer service for rebooking options and refunds.
The cancellations are expected to impact thousands of travellers, particularly during the busy summer travel period.
