Air India flight AI 159, which was set to take off from Ahmedabad to London at 1:10 PM today, faced an abrupt cancellation shortly before its scheduled departure due to a reported technical snag. This flight was particularly significant as it had recently been renamed from AI 171, the same number associated with a tragic incident on June 13, when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a residential area near Ahmedabad airport, resulting in the loss of over 180 lives. The only survivor of that crash has left a lingering unease around air travel safety in the region.
In light of this latest disruption, concern over Air India’s operational standards has intensified. Passengers, numbering over 200, were stranded at the airport following the announcement of the flight’s cancellation, prompting the airline to offer refunds and assist with alternate booking arrangements. The decision to rename the flight and the subsequent cancellation has brought intense scrutiny to Air India as it struggles to regain public confidence and demonstrate accountability in response to the recent disaster.
Aviation experts have commented that the identification of the technical issue may reflect the introduction of more stringent inspections following the tragic crash. Reports from India’s aviation regulator indicate a 15 percent increase in the reporting of technical issues on long-haul flights since 2023. A 2024 study by the Safety Matters Foundation raises alarm as it suggested that between 20 to 30 percent of reported issues on long-haul flights could be attributed to factors such as pilot fatigue and maintenance deficiencies.
Despite its robust safety reputation globally, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is facing increased scrutiny in the aftermath of the rare fatal crash. Ongoing investigations into both the tragic incident and today’s flight cancellation have prompted calls for extensive safety audits across the Air India fleet. Industry analysts warn that these recent developments highlight an urgent need for comprehensive reforms in flight operations, safety training measures, and maintenance protocols to ensure passenger safety and bolster public trust in the aviation sector.
