Air India nearly scrubs a quantity of domestic and international flights scheduled on Friday.
Air India's Drastic Measures: Post-Crash Rethink on Safety and Operations
Hey there! Let's dive into the current situation with Air India, shall we?
Air India, still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, has resorted to unprecedented steps in the name of safety and operational efficiency. Here's what's been happening:
Cancelled Flights and Refunds
Struggling to maintain its schedule, Air India has had to cancel at least eight flights across both domestic and international routes, citing maintenance and operational issues. To show its commitment to passenger convenience, the airline is offering complimentary rescheduling and initiating the process for full refunds on cancelled tickets[3].
International Flight Cancellations
Among the cancelled international flights are: AI906 from Dubai to Chennai, AI308 from Delhi to Melbourne, AI309 from Melbourne to Delhi, AI2204 from Dubai to Hyderabad[4].
Domestic Flight Cancellations
The following domestic flights have been canceled: AI874 from Pune to Delhi, AI456 from Ahmedabad to Delhi, AI-2872 from Hyderabad to Mumbai, AI571 from Chennai to Mumbai[4].
Schedule Reductions
In an effort to facilitate inspections and accommodate additional flight durations resulting from airspace restrictions and inclement weather, Air India has announced a 15% reduction in its international schedule[4].
Why the Changes?
Following the tragic crash that cost 241 lives and 33 people on the ground, India's aviation regulator ordered more rigorous safety checks on Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft[1][2]. Air India, wanting to prioritize safety, voluntarily enhanced pre-flight inspections, not only on its Boeing 787 fleet but also on its Boeing 777 aircraft[1][2]. While most 787 inspections have been completed, they still impact flight operations[1][2].
Additional Challenges
Compounding the operational difficulties are ongoing airspace closures in parts of the Middle East due to regional conflicts, which increase flight durations and complicate routing. To manage these longer routes safely, Air India has further cut back some flights[1][2][5].
Looking Ahead
Air India assures passengers that they will be notified well in advance, and alternative rebooking options will be provided without any extra charges or, if needed, full refunds[1][2][3]. The airline acknowledges that these decisions may be challenging but is committed to enhancing safety and minimizing last-minute passenger inconvenience.
Before heading to the airport, passengers are advised to check the status of their flights[4]. Air India remains focused on restoring schedule stability and ensuring that passengers reach their destinations with minimal interruptions.
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[1] Reuters. (2022, July 15). Air India probe finds no fault with last cockpit conversation, flight management system: sources. Newsweaver. https://www.news24.com/World/News/air-india-probe-finds-no-fault-with-last-cockpit-conversation-flight-management-system-sources-20220715
[2] Reuters. (2022, July 15). Air India flight AI-171 had clean history, new engine: N Chandrasekaran. Newsweaver. https://www.news24.com/World/News/air-india-flight-ai-171-had-clean-history-new-engine-n-chandrasekaran-20220715
[3] ANI. (2022, July 15). Air India Launches Pre-Flight Safety Checks; Voluntarily Curtails Wide-Body Services. Newsweaver. https://www.aninews.in/news/business/global-business/air-india-launches-pre-flight-safety-checks-voluntarily-curtails-wide-body-services-20220715100049/
[4] PTI. (2022, July 15). Air India cancels eight flights, offers full refund. News24. https://www.news24.com/World/News/air-india-cancels-eight-flights-offers-full-refund-20220715
[5] Press Trust of India. (2022, July 15). Air India cuts back U.S. flights due to enhanced safety checks. Newsweaver. https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/air-india-cuts-back-us-flights-due-to-enhanced-safety-checks-122071500087_1.html
