From tech glitches to bomb threats, Air India planes continue to face safety issues after Ahmedabad crash

New Delhi: From technical glitches to bomb threats, Air India has once again come under intense scrutiny, with a series of alarming incidents–ranging from technical malfunctions to safety threats–shaking the confidence of air travellers, especially those undertaking long-haul flights.

The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, which claimed 241 lives, remains etched in public memory. In the wake of this catastrophic event, the airline has faced at least five significant safety-related incidents, further amplifying concerns.

1. Technical Snag Mid-Air: On June 16, Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI 315 bound for Delhi from Hong Kong, was forced to return to its origin airport less than an hour after take-off. The pilot reported a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely in Hong Kong, and all passengers were safely disembarked.

2. Flight Cancellation for Safety Checks: On June 17, Air India’s Flight AI 143 from Delhi to Paris was cancelled following irregularities discovered during pre-flight inspections. A spokesperson confirmed the cancellation was a precautionary move to ensure passenger safety.

3. Engine Trouble Forces Emergency Halt: Another setback occurred when an Air India flight from San Francisco to Mumbai encountered a technical fault during its scheduled halt at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Reports confirmed the issue was due to a snag in one of the aircraft’s engines, prompting the immediate deplaning of passengers.

4. Multiple Flight Cancellations: As part of broader precautionary measures and growing concerns around Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, Air India suspended several services on June 17. The cancelled flights included:

AI 915 (Delhi–Dubai)

AI 153 (Delhi–Vienna)

AI 143 (Delhi–Paris)

AI 159 (Ahmedabad–London)

AI 133 (Bengaluru–London)

AI 170 (London–Amritsar)

5. Bomb Threat on Lufthansa Flight: While not directly related to Air India, tensions soared further when a Lufthansa flight (LH 752) from Frankfurt to Hyderabad was forced to turn back to Germany after the Hyderabad Airport received a bomb threat email at 6:01 pm on June 17. Authorities followed standard operating procedures, and a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee advised the flight be diverted for safety reasons.

A nation gripped by air travel anxiety

The Ahmedabad crash has cast a long, unsettling shadow across India. Airports are heavy with unease, and homes resonate with a chillingly familiar text: “Just boarded. Will text when I land.” What was once a casual update has now taken on a sombre tone.

Frequent flyers are reportedly double-checking seatbelts, keeping a close eye on cabin crew expressions, and informing family both before and after take-off. Many are reconsidering air travel altogether.

Psychiatrist Dr Amita Nair, based in Hyderabad, told NewsMeter that events like this often trigger vicarious trauma. “Even people not directly involved can experience anxiety, restlessness or avoid travel altogether. Constant media coverage, distressing visuals and crash updates lead to emotional overload,” she explained.

Travel agents are concerned

A Bengaluru-based travel agency, speaking anonymously, confirmed growing hesitancy among clients.

“Since the Ahmedabad crash, many customers are explicitly asking us not to book them on Air India. We’re listening to their concerns and have, for now, decided to stop booking Air India tickets until the situation stabilises.”