Air India

Nine days after the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, forensic teams and authorities continue the delicate and emotionally charged task of identifying victims through DNA analysis. Of the 242 onboard and 29 people killed on the ground, 231 DNA samples have been matched and 210 bodies returned to families. However, eight cases remain unresolved due to non-matching initial samples. Among the identified victims is Ahmedabad-based filmmaker Mahesh Jirawala, whose death has been confirmed through DNA, CCTV evidence, and recovered belongings.

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a show-cause notice to Air India, owned by the Tata Group, for allegedly breaching flight duty time limitations (FDTL) on two recent long-haul operations. The violations came to light during spot inspections of the airline’s Bengaluru–London flights on May 16 and 17, 2025. According to the DGCA, the crew exceeded the permissible 10-hour flight time, raising serious concerns over regulatory compliance and operational oversight.

Following the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, the national carrier is experiencing a sharp drop in passenger bookings across both domestic and international routes. Industry leaders report a 15–20% decline in demand alongside a corresponding 8–15% drop in ticket prices. Tour operators cite heightened cancellation rates among business and premium leisure travelers, though experts suggest the disruption may be temporary as consumer confidence gradually returns.

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed Air India to relieve three senior executives — including a divisional vice president — from all duties related to crew scheduling and rostering. The directive, issued on June 20, 2025, stems from an ongoing investigation into violations of flight duty norms. The DGCA has also instructed the airline to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against the individuals concerned.

In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has extended its full technical support to Indian aviation authorities. In a formal communication to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the global pilots’ organization has offered expertise, accredited personnel, and global best practices to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The tragic crash of an Air India flight last week claimed the life of Maithili Patil, a 23-year-old cabin crew member who was the first woman from her village, Nhava in Maharashtra, to join a commercial airline. Her untimely passing has left her family and entire community in deep mourning. A symbol of aspiration and resilience, Maithili was remembered as a bright, hardworking young woman who rose above financial hardships to chase her dreams.

Air India cancelled three international flights on June 18, 2025, citing technical issues, regulatory crew limitations, and safety concerns. Two flights—one from Toronto and another from Dubai—were called off after passengers had already boarded, while a Delhi-Bali flight was forced to return mid-air due to volcanic activity. These disruptions come against the backdrop of enhanced scrutiny by India's aviation regulator following a fatal Boeing 787-8 crash on June 12.

Air India cancelled six major international flights on Tuesday, citing operational disruptions stemming from aircraft unavailability and intensified regulatory inspections. Affected routes included prominent corridors such as London-Amritsar, Delhi-Dubai, and Mumbai-San Francisco. The cancellations come amid an ongoing review of the airline’s fleet by India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with a focus on safety and maintenance standards.

An Air India flight bound for New Delhi from Hong Kong made an unscheduled return to its point of origin on Monday following a suspected technical issue identified by the pilot-in-command. The aircraft departed at 12:16 p.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive in Delhi around 12:20 p.m. IST. As a precautionary measure, the crew opted to divert back to Hong Kong. The aircraft landed safely, all passengers disembarked without incident, and technical teams have initiated a comprehensive inspection.

In the aftermath of the devastating crash of flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad, Air India and its parent company, the Tata Group, have pledged comprehensive support for victims and their families. With 241 lives lost, the airline has committed to providing Rs. 1 crore in compensation to each victim's family and covering medical expenses for survivors. Air India has mobilized over 100 caregivers and 40 technical staff to support rescue and recovery efforts, while establishing assistance centers across major cities.