Ahmedabad, June 13 (Taaza Wire): A day after the deadly Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that claimed at least 265 lives, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has swung into action. In a rare and urgent move, the aviation regulator has issued an emergency safety directive to Air India, calling for enhanced inspection and rigorous safety checks of all its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft powered by Genx engines.
This action comes as authorities begin probing one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history, involving a London-bound Dreamliner that crashed into a residential area minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
What Prompted the DGCA’s Urgent Directive?
The DGCA Air India Boeing 787 safety inspection order follows the horrifying crash that left the nation stunned. The ill-fated aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew—only one survived.
Within hours, the DGCA issued a letter to Air India, listing mandatory pre-departure and transit checks starting June 15, citing concerns over possible systemic issues with the fleet.
The directive, approved by the competent authority, is not just a procedural step—it’s an urgent safety overhaul to ensure no other aircraft falls victim to mechanical or operational failure.
STORY | DGCA orders enhanced inspection of Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 13, 2025
READ: https://t.co/J9tONj3tAr pic.twitter.com/qpnZcOFz7t
Key Directives in the DGCA Safety Order
The DGCA’s instructions to Air India cover multiple system inspections, including:
- Fuel parameter monitoring systems
- Cabin air compressors
- Electronic engine control systems
- Operational tests of engine actuators and oil systems
- Hydraulic system serviceability
- Take-off parameter reviews
Additionally, the flight control inspection must now be conducted during every transit check, until further notice.
The DGCA has also mandated:
- Power assurance checks to be completed within two weeks
- Repetitive maintenance issues from the past 15 days must be reviewed and resolved
- All findings to be reported to DGCA for further review
This DGCA Air India Boeing 787 safety inspection is being coordinated with regional DGCA offices and applies to aircraft with Genx engines—the same model involved in the tragic Ahmedabad crash.
Air India’s 787 Dreamliner Fleet: What’s at Stake?
Air India, under the Tata Group, currently operates:
- 26 Boeing 787-8s
- 7 Boeing 787-9s
These wide-body aircraft are the backbone of Air India’s international operations, flying to destinations across Europe, the US, and Asia.
This safety directive essentially puts the entire Dreamliner fleet under the microscope. Flights will be delayed or cancelled if any aircraft fails the mandated checks.
Why Focus on GenX Engines?
The GenX engines by General Electric are known for their efficiency but have had historical issues related to:
- Icing in high-altitude conditions
- Compressor stall incidents
- Oil pressure inconsistencies
While there is no confirmed link yet between the crash and engine malfunction, the DGCA isn’t taking chances. “DGCA Air India Boeing 787 Safety Inspection” centers around proactive risk elimination.
Air India Dreamliner Crash That Shook the Nation
On June 12, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad, headed for London Gatwick. Within minutes, the plane lost altitude and crashed into a residential area, destroying a doctors’ hostel near the airport.
Among the deceased were:
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian citizen
- Several Indian doctors, students, and crew members
Only one survivor, a British-origin Indian woman, walked away with serious injuries—her survival dubbed a miracle.
Tata Group Promises Transparency
In a powerful and emotional statement, Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran called June 12 “one of the darkest days in the Tata Group’s history.”
“To lose a single person we know is a tragedy, but for so many deaths to occur at once is incomprehensible,” Chandrasekaran said.
He also assured the public that Air India will be fully transparent throughout the investigation:
“We owe it to the families and loved ones… and we will be completely transparent about the findings.”
International Investigators Join Probe
Investigative teams from the UK and the US, including Boeing and GE Aviation, have reached Ahmedabad. The aircraft’s black box recorder was recovered on June 13 and is being analyzed for:
- Cockpit voice data
- Flight parameter logs
- Engine status before failure
Preliminary findings are expected within a week, but the final crash report may take months.
Aviation Community on High Alert
Following the DGCA Air India Boeing 787 safety inspection order, other airlines operating Genx-powered Boeing 787s may face increased scrutiny.
The DGCA may issue industry-wide advisories depending on what the crash investigation uncovers.
What This Means for Passengers
Air India passengers should brace for:
- Flight delays or cancellations on Dreamliner routes
- Stricter boarding protocols
- Greater inspection time on ground, especially for long-haul flights
Passengers are advised to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Will Other Airlines Face Similar Checks?
Although this directive is currently for Air India, many Indian and international airlines operate Boeing 787s with Genx engines.
If faults are detected during these inspections, a global Genx safety alert could follow, impacting aviation worldwide.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Aviation?
The DGCA Air India Boeing 787 safety inspection is more than just a checklist—it’s a nation’s response to an unspeakable tragedy. With over 265 lives lost, this crash is now a turning point in how India will handle aviation safety.
For Air India and the Tata Group, this is a moment of reckoning—and responsibility. And for the families grieving across continents, answers and accountability can’t come soon enough.
FAQs: DGCA Air India Boeing 787 Safety Inspection & Ahmedabad Crash
Why did DGCA order a safety inspection of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet?
The DGCA ordered enhanced safety checks after an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed near Ahmedabad, killing over 265 people. The inspections aim to identify potential technical issues and prevent future tragedies.
Which aircraft are affected by the DGCA’s new safety directive?
All Air India Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners powered by Genx engines are under mandatory inspection as per the DGCA’s June 13 directive.
What systems will be checked in the DGCA inspection?
The inspections will cover fuel monitoring systems, cabin air compressors, electronic engine controls, hydraulics, engine actuators, and take-off parameters, among others.
When will the inspections start?
Air India is required to start the DGCA Air India Boeing 787 safety inspection process from midnight on June 15, 2025. Power assurance tests must be completed within two weeks.
How many Boeing 787 aircraft does Air India operate?
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, operates 26 Boeing 787-8s and 7 Boeing 787-9s—a total of 33 Dreamliner aircraft.
Was engine failure the cause of the Ahmedabad crash?
The exact cause is still under investigation. However, the DGCA’s focus on Genx engines indicates potential concerns with the propulsion system, prompting these urgent inspections.
Who is investigating the Ahmedabad Air India crash?
Teams from India, the UK, and the US, including aviation safety experts and Boeing/GE officials, are investigating. The black box recorder was recovered and is being analyzed.
What did Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran say about the crash?
He called it one of the “darkest days in Tata Group’s history” and promised full transparency in the investigation to support grieving families and rebuild trust.
[…] DGCA Orders Urgent Safety Checks on Air India’s Boeing 787 Fleet After Ahmedabad Plane Crash—Ful… Share your love […]