Air India's London-Delhi flight experiences prolonged delay lasting over 11 hours.
Air India's scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Delhi, flight AI2018, has experienced a significant delay. Originally scheduled for August 1, 2023, at 2035 hours, the flight will now depart on August 2 at 0800 hrs local time due to technical problems with the Dreamliner Boeing 787-9 aircraft[1].
The delay has caused a cascade of operational disruptions, with the flight's return service, flight AI2017, also affected. On July 31, 2025, flight AI2017 from Delhi to London returned to the bay due to a suspected technical issue[2]. As a result, an alternative aircraft is being deployed for flight AI2017, and passengers are being informed about the revised departure time[3].
Ground staff in London will offer hotel accommodation and refreshments to passengers of flight AI2017[4]. Passengers have the option of full refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling of their tickets[5].
The delay is primarily due to the late arrival of the incoming aircraft, which in turn has led to the crew coming under the mandatory flight duty time limitation norms and night curfew restrictions at London airport[6].
It is important to note that Air India has been undergoing a "Safety Pause" after a prior accident, during which precautionary checks on Boeing 787 aircraft were intensified, impacting flight schedules[7]. A Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) audit uncovered 51 safety lapses in Air India's operations, including issues with crew training, simulator use, and flight duty period violations, indicating systemic operational challenges that might have contributed to or exacerbated delays[8].
Flightradar24.com, a flight tracking website, previously provided information about the original scheduled departure time of the flight. However, the information about the delayed flight was provided in a statement by Air India[9]. The duration of the London-Delhi flight is approximately 10 hours[10].
On a previous occasion, a London-bound Dreamliner aborted takeoff at the Delhi airport due to a technical issue and an alternate Dreamliner operated the flight to London[11]. Despite these challenges, Air India is gradually restoring its flight schedules, although some flights are still delayed or curtailed as of August 2025[12].
[1] [Link to source 1] [2] [Link to source 2] [3] [Link to source 3] [4] [Link to source 4] [5] [Link to source 5] [6] [Link to source 6] [7] [Link to source 7] [8] [Link to source 8] [9] [Link to source 9] [10] [Link to source 10] [11] [Link to source 11] [12] [Link to source 12]
- The delay in Air India's flight AI2018 from London Heathrow to Delhi on August 1, 2023, could potentially disrupt travel plans, as the revised departure time now falls on August 2, 2023.
- With the replacement of the aircraft for flight AI2017, passengers may find themselves with a chance to explore a new city or alter their lifestyle, as they now have additional time in London due to the delayed departure.
