Are Air India’s Boeing 787 Planes Safe For Long Routes? Shocking Delay Raises Concern
Air India's Zurich-bound flight delay and Dreamliner safety checks spark new concerns after tragic crash.
Aryan K 
New Delhi (Delhi) [India], June 16: On Sunday, passengers of an Air India flight from Delhi to Zurich were surprised when their journey was delayed due to mandatory checks on the Boeing 787 aircraft. The delay was not caused by any technical glitch, as clarified by sources, but due to new inspection orders. The aircraft reached Zurich just before the night curfew. This small delay, however, opened a much bigger discussion about flight safety and the Boeing Dreamliner fleet.
Boeing Dreamliner Returns To Hong Kong
On the same day, another Air India Dreamliner flight that had left Hong Kong for Delhi had to return mid-air. The pilot suspected something was not right and chose to take no risk. The aircraft turned back, and all passengers were safely deboarded. This move shows how even a small concern is now being taken seriously. Sources confirmed that the plane is now undergoing complete safety checks before it flies again.
Tragic Crash In Ahmedabad Still Fresh In Minds
Only a few days ago, on June 12, a major tragedy took place involving another Boeing 787-8. Air India flight AI 171 crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, heading for London. Sadly, 241 people onboard lost their lives. The only survivor was a British citizen of Indian origin. The incident shocked the entire country and raised many questions about the safety of the Dreamliner aircraft used on international routes.
DGCA Orders Full Inspection Of Dreamliner Fleet
Following the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered strict checks on all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft in Air India’s fleet. Out of 33 Dreamliners, 9 have been checked, and the rest are being inspected in a phased manner. This decision was made to ensure that no aircraft flies without proper examination. These checks, though causing delays, are a step towards safer skies for everyone.
High-Level Meeting To Review Air Safety
A special meeting on aviation safety will be held on June 17, led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. The focus will be on improving safety across all airlines, especially in light of the recent events. For passengers, especially those flying long routes like Delhi to Zurich or London, these updates are important. Many now ask: if flights keep facing checks or issues, how safe are we really up in the sky?
