Freak Incident: Flight AI315 Returns, DGCA Enhances Surveillance for Boeing 787s in India
India mandates expanded monitoring of all Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Another shocker for Air India as Flight AI315, a Boeing 787-8, returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to a technical glitch. This precision safety measure was initiated by the pilots, who suspected an issue mid-air. The plane, in its journey to New Delhi, rose to approximately 6.7 kilometers, then started descending around the same hour. It landed safely at the Hong Kong International Airport, with no disturbance to the airport operations, as reported by airport authorities' spokesperson1.
In light of the recent tragedy involving Air India Flight AI171, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) decided to convene enhanced surveillance and assure the highest safety standards for its Boeing 787 fleet4. From June 15th, 2025, all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Air India will undergo additional pre-departure technical inspections. Furthermore, Air India is directed to conduct additional maintenance and inspections on fuel-parameter monitoring systems, cabin air compressors, electronic engine control systems, engine fuel-driven actuators, and oil-system checks for both the Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft[4].
These measures are designed to rectify potential systemic issues and ensure safety across Air India's Boeing 787 fleet[4]. The probe into the Air India Flight 171 crash continues, with involvement from multiple international agencies[4]. Although the enhanced surveillance order is primarily driven by the necessity to improve safety standards, it's important to note that there's no direct link between this action and the resolution of Flight AI315's technical issue[1].
- Hong Kong Airport / Aircraft Technical Issue
- Boeing 787
- Air India / Indian Aviation
- Aircraft Safety / Flight Inspections
- In regards to the recent technical issue encountered by an Air India Boeing 787 aircraft during a flight to New Delhi, the Community Policy on aircraft safety has been affirmed, emphasizing the importance of aerospace industry's proactive responses to technical glitches.
- To maintain the highest standards of environment safety and protect the environment from potential risks, Air India is required to conduct environmentally-focused financial audits for its Boeing 787 fleet, as part of the industry-wide focus on safety and operational efficiency.
