Air India faced a new safety crisis on flight AI 187 from Delhi to Vienna, only two days after the fatal AI 171 crash. The Boeing 777 aircraft narrowly avoided disaster after losing 900 feet in altitude shortly after takeoff.
The incident, which occurred on June 14, has intensified scrutiny over the airline’s operational safety following the AI 171 tragedy. The AI 187 flight took off from New Delhi at 02:56 AM and was soon rocked by critical warnings. Cockpit systems issued Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) and stall alerts. Shortly after these alerts, the aircraft lost 900 feet in altitude.
Pilots Temporarily Grounded
In response to this safety breach, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) temporarily grounded both pilots. An Air India spokesperson clarified that this was not a punitive measure but a standard precaution pending the completion of the official investigation.
Investigation and Systemic Safety Concerns
The DGCA has launched an extensive investigation into the incident. The inquiry will examine whether pilot error, technical malfunctions, or inadequate pre-flight checks contributed to the near-miss.
This event follows the AI 171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in numerous fatalities. The back-to-back safety incidents have triggered a comprehensive review of Air India’s flight safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and pilot training programs.
Growing Passenger Safety Concerns on International Routes
Air India’s frequent European operations have raised particular concerns among travelers, especially in the UK market. Passengers traveling to destinations such as London Heathrow and Manchester voiced their worries on social media, criticizing the airline’s safety record. Several travel agencies reported increased demand for ticket cancellations and inquiries about passenger rights.
The Challenge of Regaining Trust
According to aviation safety experts, temporarily grounding pilots is a crucial first step, but restoring passenger trust will require deeper reforms. These include:
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More rigorous pre-flight inspections,
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Improved quality of simulator training,
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Transparent and swift response protocols for technical failures.
Additionally, how the airline has handled past safety incidents and its compliance with DGCA recommendations will also come under review.
Commercial Imperative: Prioritizing Safety
For the airline, safety is no longer just a regulatory obligation but a commercial necessity in today’s highly competitive global aviation environment. With increased international scrutiny, the steps Air India takes in the coming months will be critical.
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