Air India Long-Haul Flights May Face Delays Due To Boeing 787 Safety Checks

Air India has announced potential delays on some long-haul flights due to mandatory safety inspections on its Boeing 787 aircraft, as directed by India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The inspections, prompted by heightened safety concerns following a recent air crash near Ahmedabad airport, are being conducted on aircraft returning to India before they are cleared for further operations. The airline has already completed checks on nine of its 27 Boeing 787s and is on track to finish inspecting the remaining 24 within the DGCA's timeline. These checks may increase turnaround times, particularly for flights to airports with curfews, potentially causing delays. Affected passengers can opt for full refunds or free rescheduling.Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the urgency of these inspections, noting that eight aircraft had been inspected by Saturday, with the rest prioritized. The DGCA has implemented stricter safety measures effective June 15, mandating one-time inspections of critical components like cabin air compression, control systems, hydraulic functions, and takeoff performance for all Boeing 787s departing India. Additionally, transit checks and power assurance tests must be completed within two weeks, and recurring technical issues from the past 15 days must be resolved. These measures follow growing concerns over Boeing's safety standards due to recent accidents and reported manufacturing flaws.The Ahmedabad crash, which Naidu said shook the nation, is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with forensic and medical experts assisting. The black box decoding is expected to provide critical insights. Air India is prioritizing passenger safety while managing potential disruptions, aligning with the DGCA's rigorous oversight to ensure compliance and enhance aviation safety across India's Boeing 787 fleet.