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Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
Not a single aircraft will fly if it's not 100% safe: Air India CEO promises maximum caution after AI171 crash
After the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, which killed 241 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the airline's CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson has spoken out to calm fears. In an official message shared on Friday, Wilson confirmed that all Air India aircraft, especially Boeing 787s, are safe to fly. 'We have finished extra precautionary checks on our Boeing 787 fleet, and the DGCA has said publicly that our planes meet all required safety standards,' he said. He added that even with clean checks, Air India will continue to do extra pre-flight inspections as a precaution. Supporting Families and Staff Wilson said Air India, along with the Tata Group , remains deeply committed to helping the families of those who lost their lives, as well as affected staff. 'We continue to mourn the loss of lives and are doing everything to support those affected,' he said. Around 500 workers from Air India and other Tata companies are still in Ahmedabad helping the families. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now He said more than 200 families have received some comfort and closure as efforts continue to identify victims and offer support. 'These families are now Tata families,' he added, promising continued help long after the immediate crisis. Responding to Employee Concerns The CEO also addressed comments on social media suggesting that Air India wasn't visible at memorial services for its staff. 'We had senior representatives at every service,' he clarified. 'We've just been careful not to disturb the families during those important moments.' Live Events He also said that staff returning from Ahmedabad are being given time off and offered free counselling. 'These services are private and provided by professionals, and I encourage you to use them,' he said. Questions About Safety and Future Wilson also responded to common questions raised by staff. While there are many theories about the cause of the crash, he said the airline will not speculate. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is now in charge of finding the facts. On the question of whether a report will be shared, Wilson explained that only the AAIB can decide when and how to share updates. But if urgent safety issues are found, those will be shared quickly, and Air India will stay transparent. Wilson confirmed that due to extra safety checks and longer flight paths caused by airspace closures in the Middle East and Pakistan, the airline has cut down on some flights for now. 'We'll resume them gradually when the time is right,' he said. No Change in Future Plans Despite the tragedy, Wilson said Air India's future goals remain strong. 'This event is heartbreaking, and we will learn from it. But our vision for safety, service, and professionalism is unchanged, if anything, it's stronger.' He also confirmed that both shareholders continue to fully support Air India. As investigations continue, Wilson ended his message by encouraging staff to stay focused. 'Let's do our jobs with full professionalism, care for our passengers, and support each other, especially now.' Inputs from ANI
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Air India cancels seven flights; cites 'maintenance and operational reasons'- check full list
File photo Air India on Friday announced that it has cancelled seven flights, including four international and three domestic routes, due to "enhanced maintenance and operational reasons. " The cancellations come days after an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed. Affected flights include services between Dubai, Chennai, Delhi, Melbourne, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. According to the airline, international flights that have been cancelled include: AI906 from Dubai to Chennai AI308 from Delhi to Melbourne AI309 from Melbourne to Delhi AI2204 from Dubai to Hyderabad On the domestic front, the following flights were called off: AI874 from Pune to Delhi AI456 from Ahmedabad to Delhi AI571 from Chennai to Mumbai In a statement, Air India said the move was due to "enhanced maintenance and operational reasons." "Air India's international flights AI906 from Dubai to Chennai; AI308 from Delhi to Melbourne; AI309 from Melbourne to Delhi; AI2204 from Dubai to Hyderabad and domestic flights AI874 from Pune to Delhi; AI456 from Ahmedabad to Delhi; AI-2872 from Hyderabad to Mumbai and AI571 from Chennai to Mumbai have been cancelled due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons," an spokesperson of Air India was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo Earlier, on Thursday, the airline said that it will reduce flights on various international routes per week and temporarily suspend operations on three routes from June 21 to July 15, 2025. "Further to the press statement released yesterday, 18 June 2025, which announced a temporary reduction in services operated by Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, we wish to provide details on the flights affected. These reductions will be effective from 21 June 2025, and last until at least 15 July 2025," the airline said in a post on X. "The reductions arise from the decision to voluntarily undertake enhanced pre-flight safety checks, as well as accommodate additional flight durations arising from airspace closures in the Middle East. The objective is to restore schedule stability and minimise last-minute inconvenience to passengers," it said. On June 12, the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Guj plans memorial at AI 171 crash site
Gandhinagar: In a poignant gesture, the state govt has taken an in-principle decision to set up a memorial at the site where Air India flight number 171 crashed shortly after take-off, killing 241 of the 242 persons on board and others on the ground. The plane crashed into the residential quarters and mess for UG, PG students of BJ Medical College here on June 12. According to top sources in the state govt, buildings on which the ill-fated plane crashed will be demolished and constructed elsewhere, most probably at another location in the same campus. A memorial will be set up on the area where the plane crashed, so that people can visit the spot and pay their respects to those who perished in the tragedy. "Currently, multiple investigation teams are working at the crash site to gather evidence and materials. Once the investigation at the crash site is completely over, the buildings on which the plane crashed will be demolished and a memorial is being planned at the site," a top source informed. Sources said that although the buildings on which the plane crashed do not appear to have been severely damaged, there is a possibility that they might have been internally damaged and weakened. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "We are also taking into consideration the sentiments of the students who may be too traumatised to occupy the same premises," said sources. The state health department will prepare a detailed project to identify alternative land where the damaged buildings will be reconstructed. "Primarily, the govt is considering the option of reconstructing the damaged buildings at another site on the same campus, as there is ample space there," said a source. Commenting on the proposed air crash memorial, sources said that a serene garden will be created, where visitors can offer prayers and pay obeisance to the victims. "The details of the memorial project will be decided later as currently, the authorities are busy dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy. There is a possibility that like Smritivan in Bhuj, the names of all the victims of the airplane crash will be written at the memorial as a remembrance," said sources. On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar area, moments after takeoff from the Ahmedabad airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, and several persons were killed on the ground where it crashed.
India Gazette
a day ago
- India Gazette
AAIB commences formal inquiry into the Air India flight crash incident
New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has commenced a formal inquiry into the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad and the multi-disciplinary team from AAIB has commenced investigation from June 12, said an official statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday. The investigation has been ordered by DG, AAIB. NTSB and OEM teams have arrived to assist AAIB as per ICAO protocols. A combined unit of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) has been recovered from the crash site on 13 June 2025 and another set was found on 16 June. This model of aircraft has two Blackbox sets, added the statement. The AAIB investigation is progressing steadily with all necessary support from local authorities and agencies. Key recovery work, including site documentation and evidence collection, has been completed, and further analysis is now underway. The Ministry remains committed to full transparency relating to the ongoing investigation and will follow all mandated protocols and norms, in the larger interest of the highest standards of Passenger Safety and convenience. The Minister emphasised the importance of working together as a cohesive and responsive team to uphold passenger trust and bring operational stability, which has been the cornerstone of Indian aviation. Certain media outlets have reported that the CVR/DFDR from the ill-fated AI171 flight is being sent abroad for retrieval and analysis. The AAIB will decide the location for decoding the flight recorders after assessing all technical, safety, and security considerations, mentioned the official statement. The Ministry of Civil Aviation urged all stakeholders to refrain from speculation on such sensitive matters and to allow the investigative process to proceed with the seriousness and professionalism it warrants. The crash occurred on June 12, when a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. (ANI)
News18
a day ago
- General
- News18
Govt Moves To Tighten Safety Near Airports, Releases Draft Rules For Demolition Of Obstructions
Last Updated: In case of continued non-compliance, the matter will be referred to the District Collector, who must ensure the necessary action is taken. In a decisive response to the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued draft rules aimed at regulating structures that pose risks near airports. Titled the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, the draft was released on June 18 and will come into force once notified in the official gazette. The rules empower aerodrome authorities to act against buildings or trees that exceed permissible height limits in designated airport zones. 'Where any notification has been issued by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 18 of the Act… the officer-in-charge of the aerodrome concerned shall serve a copy of the notification on the owner of the building or tree," the draft states. If a structure violates these norms, owners will be required to submit details, including site plans and dimensions within sixty days. Non-compliance could trigger enforcement action such as demolition or height reduction. The officer-in-charge will also forward violations to the Director General or authorised officers. Authorities will be allowed to physically verify the site after providing reasonable prior notice. 'He shall be empowered to enter the premises… during daylight hours," the draft notes, adding that the owner must cooperate. In case of continued non-compliance, the matter will be referred to the District Collector, who must ensure the necessary action is taken. Appeals can be made to designated officers with a Rs 1,000 fee. However, compensation will only be considered for those complying with orders under section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Public feedback on the draft has been invited within twenty days of its publication. On June 12, Air India flight AI-171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London—crashed shortly after takeoff, hitting the BJ Medical College complex in Ahmedabad. The crash killed 241 of the 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. First Published: June 19, 2025, 14:54 IST
