AI Orders Aircraft Audit, Forms Panel To Monitor Ops After Ahmedabad Crash: Sources | Exclusive | India News
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AI Ahmedabad crash: Sources privy to the meeting chaired by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said the board has initiated a safety overhaul, including an audit of all aircraft
After the Ahmedabad crash, the DGCA has directed Air India to submit the complete health report of its aircraft fleet. (File)
In the wake of the recent runway mishap and Ahmedabad crash, the Air India (AI) board on Wednesday held a crucial internal meeting in Mumbai to assess operational risks and strategy. It was chaired by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran.
Sources privy to the meeting confirmed that the board has initiated a major safety overhaul, including a comprehensive audit of all aircraft in the airline’s fleet.
On June 10, an Air India flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad skidded off the taxiway during landing amid heavy rain. While no lives were lost, the incident raised critical questions around safety compliance. On June 12, Air India’s London-bound plane crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane first hit the mess building of BJ Medical College Civil Hospital and then crashed into the Atulyam Hostel, where senior residents doctors stayed. Both buildings suffered heavy damage and casualties.
The fleet audit will be conducted based on international safety and security standards and will assess both technical health and operational readiness of each aircraft.
As first reported by News18, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had directed Air India to submit the complete health report of its aircraft fleet. Sources indicate that the airline is in the final stages of compiling this report and is likely to submit it soon.
In another significant decision, the board has constituted a high-level internal committee to monitor all aspects of Air India’s operations. This committee will be empowered to take final decisions on flight routes, frequency, and other business-related matters. A senior Air India source: “This is not just a cosmetic move. The committee has real authority to act swiftly in the interest of operational efficiency and passenger safety.”
To aid the ongoing investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the Ahmedabad incident, the board also approved the formation of a coordination task force. This group will facilitate all support required by AAIB, ensuring smooth access to documents, technical data, and staff interactions during the investigation.
The AI has suspended three routes until July 2025 and reduced flight frequency on 19 other routes. These reductions are aimed at strengthening Air India’s network-wide operational stability and minimizing last-minute inconvenience to passengers.
Despite these temporary reductions, Air India will continue to operate close to 600 daily flights with its narrowbody aircraft on 120 domestic and short-haul international routes. As per sources, these steps reflect a decisive effort by the Tata Group-owned national carrier to regain public trust, enforce accountability, and raise internal safety benchmarks.
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with… Read More
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