Air India Flight from Ahmedabad to London Cancelled Over Technical Issue Amid Safety Concerns
Air India flight AI 159, which was set to leave Ahmedabad for London at 1:10 PM today, was unexpectedly canceled shortly before takeoff due to a technical issue. The flight, intended to carry more than 200 passengers, had recently been renamed from AI 171. This former flight number was associated with the tragic June 13 crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad airport, which resulted in over 180 fatalities and left only one survivor. The incident generated widespread concern over aviation safety in the country.
The cancellation of today's flight has heightened scrutiny on Air India's operational protocols. Stranded passengers were offered refunds and alternative travel options by the airline. The renaming of the flight and its abrupt cancellation highlight the growing pressure on Air India to restore public confidence and show accountability in its operations.
Aviation specialists suggest that the detection of the recent technical issue may be attributed to more rigorous inspections implemented after the recent crash. India’s aviation regulator has noted a 15 percent rise in reports of technical problems on long-haul flights since 2023. A report from the Safety Matters Foundation in 2024 indicated that 20 to 30 percent of such incidents might be due to pilot fatigue and systemic maintenance shortcomings.
Despite its global reputation for safety, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is facing renewed scrutiny after the rare fatal accident. With ongoing investigations into both the deadly crash and today's flight cancelation, aviation authorities are under increased pressure to conduct thorough safety audits of the Air India fleet. Industry analysts emphasize that these recent events underline the urgent necessity for structural reforms in flight operations, safety training, and maintenance practices.
