Air India begins phased restoration of international flights, aims for full resumption by October 1

Mumbai: Coming out of the crisis involving the devastating Ahmedabad Dreamliner crash, national carrier Air India has begun a phased restoration of international operations with full resumption targeted for October 1, 2025.

This measured approach ensures thorough verification and safe service resumption, a press release by the airlines said.

The phased restoration commenced from August 1, 2025,

The June 12, 2025 crash of Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft bearing registration VT-ANB at Ahmedabad, shortly after it took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport for London Gatwick, has badly impacted the airlines' operations.

As part of a voluntary “Safety Pause” initiated in June, Air India temporarily reduced its flight schedule to accommodate additional pre-flight checks and mitigate disruptions due to regional airspace closures.

The additional ground time also enabled accelerated upgrades to improve aircraft reliability and enhance delay and disruption management.

“Following the tragic accident, we have undertaken a series of proactive measures and conducted comprehensive checks ensuring that every flight continues to meet the highest global standards of safety and customer service,” an Air India spokesperson said.

Air India has completed detailed inspections of its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft under the oversight of India's aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation. No issues were found during these inspections, and the airline continues to work closely with the regulators maintaining full transparency.

Air India also inspected the fuel control switch mechanism of Boeing 737 and 787-8 aircraft, with no findings.

"Air India’s safety protocols are multi-layered and rigorous. Our aircraft undergo thorough checks before every flight by trained engineers and pilots, and maintenance is conducted at certified facilities before and between flights. Air India cabin crew, engineers and pilots receive regular training at the Air India Training Academy, aligned with global best practices ensuring full alignment with the latest safety procedures. Our Integrated Operations Control Centre monitors every flight in real time, monitoring weather, crew, and aircraft performance,” the spokesperson said.

“Air India’s comprehensive Safety Management System complies with DGCA and the UN International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines. The airline undergoes annual DGCA audits and bi-annual IATA Operational Safety Audits. These audits are part of the aviation industry’s process of continuous improvement and as described by the DGCA in their latest communique, Air India’s results are “entirely normal” for an airline of our scale and scope,” the spokesperson added.

Acknowledging recent operational challenges, Air India is actively working to minimise disruptions and enhance customer experience by strengthening its internal processes. Alongside, the airline’s retrofit programme is progressing rapidly, promising an upgraded in-flight experience.