Air India cuts 15% of international widebody flights until mid-July

Air India is cutting 15% of international widebody flights until at least the middle of July in the wake of the crash of Boeing 787 flight AI171 with the loss of 241 passengers and crew.

 

The carrier has already cancelled 83 long-haul flights in the last six days.

 

Air India cited geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, night curfew in the airspaces of many countries in Europe and East Asia, ongoing enhanced safety inspections, and also “the necessary cautious approach being taken by the engineering staff and Air India pilots”.

 

The airline added: “Given the compounding circumstances that Air India is facing, to ensure stability of our operations, better efficiency and to minimise inconvenience to passengers, Air India has decided to reduce its international services on widebody aircraft by 15% for the next few weeks. 

 

“The cuts will be implemented between now and 20 June and will continue thereafter until at least mid-July. This effectively adds to our reserve aircraft availability to take care of any unplanned disruptions.”

 

Investigating authorities are continuing their efforts to find out the reasons for the crash of the Gatwick-bound B787 Dreamliner at  Ahmedabad airport on June 12.

 

Indian authorities have mandated enhanced safety inspections across Air India’s fleet of B787-8/9 aircraft. 

 

Inspections have been completed on 26 out of a total of 33 aircraft and these have been cleared for service, with the remainder to be completed in the “coming days”. 

 

Air India said: “The fact that 26 aircraft have been cleared gives reassurance in the safety measures and procedures that we follow.

 

“As a matter of added precaution, Air India will also undertake enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 777 fleet.

 

“Air India apologises to the passengers affected due to these curtailments, and will inform them in advance and make its best efforts to accommodate them on alternate flights. 

 

“Passengers will also be offered a choice to reschedule their travel without any cost or to be given full refund, as per their choice. 

 

“The revised schedule of our international services effective from 20 June will be shared shortly.”