Air India Defends Safety Record After Ahmedabad Crash, Awaits Probe Findings

Air India has stated that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the recent Ahmedabad crash was “well-maintained” and showed no engine issues prior to the fatal flight on June 12. In a message to passengers, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson emphasized that both the aircraft and its engines had undergone routine maintenance and detailed inspections.

“The aircraft underwent its last major check in June 2023, with the next scheduled for December 2025. Its right engine was overhauled in March 2025 and the left engine inspected in April 2025,” Wilson said. “All systems showed no signs of malfunction before the flight.”

Wilson acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, in which 270 people lost their lives, and stated that both Air India and the wider aviation community are awaiting the findings of the official investigation. “Only a full and transparent probe can provide the clarity needed,” he said.

In response to directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India has launched a comprehensive review of its Boeing 787 fleet. Of the 33 Dreamliners operated by the airline, 26 have already completed safety inspections and have been cleared for service. The remaining seven aircraft, currently undergoing scheduled maintenance, will be subjected to the same rigorous checks before returning to service.

Wilson also confirmed that the DGCA has reviewed Air India’s maintenance processes and found them compliant with aviation safety norms. “The DGCA has confirmed that our fleet and maintenance operations meet all safety standards,” he added.

Last week, the DGCA raised concerns regarding inter-departmental coordination within Air India following a spate of maintenance-related issues. However, the agency clarified that surveillance of the airline’s Boeing 787 aircraft did not reveal any significant safety lapses post-crash.

Meanwhile, efforts to identify the victims of the crash continue. Officials report that DNA testing has so far confirmed the identities of 215 out of 270 victims. The remains of 198 individuals have been returned to their families.

Separately, Air India reported that Flight AI388 from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City, carrying 130 passengers, returned to Delhi on June 19 shortly after take-off as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely and all passengers were safely disembarked.