Air India’s Boeing 787 Fleet Struggles With Three Technical Issues Since July, DGCA Steps Up Safety Measures After June 2025 Ahmedabad Incident

Published on December 5, 2025

Air India Takes Proactive Steps Following Boeing 787 Technical Glitches: A Look at Safety Measures and DGCA’s Role

Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has reported three technical glitches in its Boeing 787 fleet since July. These issues have prompted heightened safety inspections, mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following a significant accident involving a Boeing 787 on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad. In this article, we explore the safety measures implemented by the airline and the role of the DGCA in ensuring the safety and reliability of India’s aviation industry.

Background: A Call for Enhanced Inspections

On June 12, 2025, a Boeing 787 operated by Air India was involved in an accident in Ahmedabad. Fortunately, the incident did not result in fatalities, but it raised critical concerns regarding the safety of the aircraft’s operations. Following the accident, the DGCA, India’s aviation regulatory body, issued clear directives for Air India to conduct enhanced safety inspections on its entire fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft. This was part of a broader effort to ensure that the airline’s aircraft met the highest safety standards and were fully equipped to handle any operational challenges.

In a written statement to the Lok Sabha, Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, revealed that Air India had reported three technical glitches on its Boeing 787 fleet since July. These issues, while concerning, were swiftly addressed by the airline’s maintenance team, in line with the DGCA’s stringent guidelines.

Proactive Measures: DGCA’s Surveillance and Air India’s Response

The DGCA plays a vital role in ensuring that airlines in India meet safety standards and follow proper maintenance protocols. In the case of the Boeing 787 fleet, the DGCA ordered a series of enhanced inspections, with an emphasis on detecting any potential technical faults that could compromise flight safety. The inspections were not only reactive but also proactive, designed to identify any emerging issues before they became significant concerns.

These heightened inspections included spot checks, night surveillance, and continuous monitoring of the airline’s fleet. The DGCA’s surveillance extends beyond routine checks, providing an added layer of security for passengers and the aviation industry at large. All findings from these inspections were provided to Air India to ensure corrective actions were taken immediately.

The minister noted that the airline complied fully with the DGCA’s directives and that all the aircraft in question were found to meet the required safety standards. Despite the technical snags, the airline’s fleet was cleared for further service after necessary repairs and rectifications were made, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Addressing Technical Faults: The Role of Flight Crews and Maintenance Engineers

Technical glitches in aircraft are not uncommon and can occur due to malfunctioning components or equipment fitted onto the aircraft. In such cases, the airline’s crew is the first line of defense. As soon as a technical issue is detected, whether through visual or aural warnings in the cockpit or through system malfunctions, the flight crew is responsible for reporting the issue immediately.

Once the flight has safely landed, the flight crew logs the issue in the aircraft’s Flight Report Book. This log is reviewed by a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), who evaluates the fault according to the Manufacturer’s Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or Trouble Shooting Manual. The AME follows prescribed procedures to rectify the fault, which could involve component replacement, system servicing, or other necessary repairs.

After the necessary fixes are carried out, the aircraft undergoes thorough testing to ensure it is fully operational. Upon completion of these procedures, the aircraft is cleared for service and an entry is made in the Flight Report Book, indicating that the issue has been resolved.

Enforcement Actions and DGCA’s Role in Compliance

The DGCA’s role does not stop at conducting inspections. The agency is also responsible for ensuring that airlines comply with safety and maintenance regulations. In cases where an airline or its personnel fail to adhere to safety standards, the DGCA has the authority to impose enforcement actions. These actions could range from issuing warnings to suspension or cancellation of operations. In more severe cases, the DGCA can impose fines on the airline or the personnel involved.

The DGCA also conducts ongoing surveillance, including random spot checks and night surveillance, to ensure that airlines are continuously adhering to safety protocols. These measures help create a comprehensive framework for ensuring safety and reliability in Indian aviation.

Conclusion: The Importance of Safety in Aviation

The steps taken by Air India in response to the technical glitches in its Boeing 787 fleet highlight the airline’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards. The proactive involvement of the DGCA in ensuring these safety measures is a testament to India’s robust regulatory framework in aviation. While technical glitches are an inherent part of the aviation industry, the swift and systematic response from both the airline and regulatory authorities has helped maintain the integrity of the fleet, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the role of regulatory bodies like the DGCA will remain critical in ensuring that airlines uphold the highest standards of safety and operational reliability. The commitment to passenger safety, as demonstrated by Air India and the DGCA, serves as a model for the broader aviation community in India and beyond.