Air India looks to be in trouble with more flights being cancelled after the recent tragic crash in Ahmedabad. The airline has cancelled three of its international flights on Wednesday owing to various reasons, including maintenance and technical issues.
Two of these flights were cancelled after the passengers had already boarded the aircraft, the airline said.
The airline said it had to cancel its Toronto-Delhi flight AI188 of June 18 due to extended maintenance and consequently operating crew coming under regulatory flight duty time limitation norms.
Passengers, who had already boarded the aircraft, were disembarked following cancellation of the flight, it said.
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Air India is currently facing intense scrutiny following a series of controversies that have significantly impacted its operations and reputation. Most notably, on June 12, Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing at least 270 people.
Since the Ahmedabad crash, Air India cancelled 66 flights to be operated with Boeing 787 between June 12 and June 17. Multiple flights have been cancelled or delayed citing technical issues.
This devastating incident has triggered a full-scale investigation by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Authorities are reviewing pilot training records, operational procedures, and fleet maintenance protocols. The crash has also led to the cancellation of multiple international flights and raised serious concerns about the airline’s safety standards.
Flight AI996 from Dubai to Delhi on June 18, was also cancelled due to technical reasons and passengers were disembarked after boarding, as per Air India.
However, the airline’s flight AI2145 from Delhi to Bali was cancelled after it was advised to return to Delhi mid-way due to reports of volcanic eruption near the destination airport Bali, in the interest of safety, Air India stated.
Adding to these operational and regulatory woes is growing internal unrest related to Air India’s merger with Vistara. The integration process has sparked protests among pilots, especially over reduced flying hours, pay disparities, and concerns regarding career progression. Vistara pilots have reported threats and hostile communications from management, prompting union intervention. This internal discontent further complicates Air India’s recovery efforts.
These recent controversies and woes facing Air India mark a critical juncture for the airline, exposing deep-rooted operational, regulatory, and organizational challenges.
The tragic crash of Flight AI171 has shaken public confidence and placed the airline’s safety protocols under intense scrutiny. Regulatory penalties and past violations suggest systemic lapses in training and oversight that must be urgently addressed.
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Simultaneously, the internal unrest stemming from the Vistara merger highlights poor change management and employee dissatisfaction, which could further destabilize operations if left unresolved. Together, these issues paint a picture of an airline in crisis, struggling to maintain trust while navigating a complex transition.
For Air India, the road ahead requires not just technical fixes but cultural and structural reforms. Restoring credibility will depend on transparent investigations, stronger regulatory compliance, and a renewed commitment to workforce welfare. Failure to act decisively could jeopardize its reputation, market position, and the success of its privatization and expansion plans.