Flights by Air India are again operational after the tragic incident in Ahmedabad
After a hiatus following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, the airline is gradually resuming its operations. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with key developments providing some insights but leaving several questions unanswered.
The preliminary report, published by the Indian Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB India) and reviewed by the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB UK), has identified the immediate cause of the crash as both engines losing thrust due to fuel starvation after fuel control switches moved from the "RUN" to "CUTOFF" position. However, the reason why these switches moved remains under investigation.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ruled out mechanical failure as a cause, but human factors, including potential pilot or crew involvement, are still being examined. The final cause of the dual engine flameout has not been determined pending further detailed analysis of flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and crew background.
The flight data recorders were recovered, and data from the front recorder successfully downloaded by June 25, aiding the investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India and Air India have also conducted concurrent inquiries and mandated additional safety inspections across Air India's Boeing 787 fleet focused on fuel and engine-related systems.
Air India continues to cooperate fully with authorities and supports affected families, with no final conclusions or official report beyond the preliminary findings released yet. Authorities urge avoiding premature conclusions while the investigation continues.
In terms of service resumption, Air India will operate flights between Ahmedabad and London Heathrow three times a week, replacing the five services to and from Gatwick that have been in operation. However, Gatwick's connections to Amritsar and Goa will not resume until at least September 30, 2025. Some services, such as those between Delhi and Birmingham, are expected to continue facing disruptions.
The resumption of flights will be gradual, with more frequent services to Air India's global destinations, including Europe, the US, and Asia. The airline is proactively contacting affected flyers, offering rebookings on alternative flights or full refunds.
The safety pause allowed Air India to perform precautionary checks on its Boeing 787 fleet. Flights between Delhi and Heathrow have already returned to 24 times a week. Flights between Delhi and Copenhagen, Sydney, Australia, Chicago, and New York will also experience delayed resumption of schedules.
Routes between Bengaluru or Pune and Singapore remain suspended, while Delhi-Amsterdam services will return to operating seven times a week from August 1, 2025. In Europe, flights between Delhi and Zurich, Switzerland will increase by 25% from August 1, 2025. Air India will recommence flights between Delhi and Tokyo, and Delhi and Seoul by September 1, 2025.
The report was released in accordance with international aviation rules within a month of the incident, demonstrating Air India's commitment to transparency and safety. As the investigation continues, the airline is phasing the restoration to full operation and apologizes to passengers whose travel plans are affected by the changed schedules. It is crucial to remember that the safety of passengers and crew remains Air India's top priority.
- Following the crash of Air India Flight AI171, the airline is slowly resuming operations, with a focus on ensuring safety and transparency as demonstrated by the quick release of the preliminary report.
- The preliminary report suggested that both engines lost thrust due to fuel starvation after fuel control switches moved, but the reason for this shift remains under investigation.
- In the wake of the tragic event, the airline is reaching out to affected flyers, offering rebookings on alternative flights or full refunds as part of its commitment to customer service.
- In terms of destinations, Air India will operate flights between Ahmedabad and London Heathrow three times a week, with some services, like those to and from Gatwick, and others to Delhi and Birmingham, facing disruptions.
- The airline industry, including regulators like the FAA and the AAIB, are working together to gather more information, with potential implications for pilot training, fuel system design, and other aspects of aviation safety and finance.
- Crime-and-justice and general-news sources are following the ongoing investigation closely, as the resolution of the causes behind the crash may have far-reaching implications for the aviation industry and transportation safety in general.
