After Fatal AI171 Air India Crash, Aviation Sector Faces Intense Scrutiny

 




🇮🇳 Turbulence in Indian Skies: After Fatal Air India Crash, Aviation Sector Faces Intense Scrutiny




India's fast-growing aviation sector is facing its most critical test in recent years following the June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London. The tragedy, which killed 241 passengers and 19 people on the ground, has triggered widespread concern over aviation safety, prompting investigations, regulatory hearings, and global insurance alarms.


Parliamentary Review Scheduled as Safety Questions Mount


In response to the disaster, the Indian Parliament's Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has summoned top aviation officials for a comprehensive safety review on July 9. Representatives from DGCA, Air India, IndiGo, AAI, and ATC authorities are expected to appear before lawmakers. The committee will assess systemic weaknesses in air traffic control, pilot fatigue, training standards, and aircraft maintenance practices.

Additionally, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam has been summoned separately for a high-level session on July 8 to answer specific questions about security standards and oversight lapses, particularly at second-tier airports like Ahmedabad.


Black Box Data & Simulations Suggest Total Engine Failure


Preliminary analysis of flight data reveals a shocking scenario: a likely dual-engine failure just after takeoff. The aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—used only during total electrical and power loss—was deployed, confirming a catastrophic systems failure in the air.

Experts from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and U.S.-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are working closely with Boeing to recreate the flight profile using advanced simulations. Investigators are exploring whether crew response, environmental conditions, or mechanical malfunction played a decisive role.

A preliminary report is expected by mid-July, though full findings may take several months.


Air India Reduces Flights, Safety Checks Intensify


As a precautionary step, Air India has temporarily cut 15% of its international widebody operations through July to conduct safety audits of its Boeing 777 and 787 fleet. Affected routes include flights to London, Frankfurt, Chicago, and Dubai.

This comes amid rising global scrutiny of Boeing widebody aircraft, which have faced multiple technical and manufacturing issues in recent years.

In parallel, IndiGo, India's largest domestic carrier, is under watch after a series of tail strike incidents involving its Airbus A321 fleet. The DGCA has opened a technical investigation into landing procedures and possible overreliance on autopilot during final approach.


Financial Impact: Insurance Rates Surge


Aviation insurers are bracing for one of the largest payouts in Indian aviation history. Early estimates place Air India's liability from the AI171 crash at over $200 million, including hull loss, passenger compensation, and third-party damage.

As a result, global aviation insurance premiums are set to rise by 10–15%, affecting not only Indian carriers but airlines across Asia and the Middle East. Reinsurers have already begun repricing coverage for aircraft operating in high-density or secondary-tier airports.


Growth vs. Safety: A Reckoning for Indian Aviation


India’s aviation sector, despite recent turbulence, continues to grow. Domestic passenger traffic rose 7.8% year-on-year in FY 2025, with 165.7 million flyers—making India the third-largest domestic market globally. But the AI171 crash has exposed systemic cracks in safety infrastructure, training, and regulatory enforcement.

Industry experts warn that unless India prioritizes safety alongside scale, its aviation dreams may stall.


Looking Ahead


As India heads deeper into the monsoon season, when operational risks are already elevated, all eyes are on the outcomes of the upcoming parliamentary hearings and investigation reports. Stakeholders across the industry—airlines, regulators, airport operators, and manufacturers—must now move swiftly to restore public trust and reestablish India’s credibility as a growing global aviation hub.
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