No Major Faults? DGCA’s Air India Report Sparks Nationwide Debate
After India’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades, DGCA’s latest findings have ignited fresh discussions. A thorough inspection of 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners revealed no major faults, bringing relief to many. However, the report has raised critical questions about oversight, safety protocols, and the true cause behind the tragic Air India crash.
DGCA’s Verdict: No Major Faults Found in Air India’s 787 Dreamliners After Tragic Crash
In a country still mourning its worst aviation tragedy in 30 years, a sliver of relief has arrived.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Tuesday that enhanced inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet have not revealed any major safety issues. The announcement follows the catastrophic crash on June 12, when a Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick went down, killing 241 out of 242 passengers and 30 people on the ground.
This horrific incident triggered national grief—and immediate regulatory action.
But what exactly did DGCA find during its intensive inspections? And where does Air India go from here?
Let’s break it down.
What Prompted the DGCA’s Probe?
Following the June 12 crash of an Air India Dreamliner that took off from Ahmedabad and failed just moments into the flight, the DGCA sprang into action.
On June 13, India’s aviation watchdog ordered a fleet-wide inspection of Air India’s 33 Boeing 787 aircraft, covering airworthiness, documentation, and ongoing maintenance standards.
Given the scale of the disaster, this wasn’t just a formality—it was an urgent nationwide safety mission.
What Did the Inspections Reveal?
In a statement released on June 18, DGCA confirmed that:
The enhanced surveillance of Air India’s Boeing 787 aircraft and associated maintenance systems were found to be compliant with existing safety standards.
In simple terms: no red flags.
The DGCA’s comprehensive inspection of Air India’s Dreamliners unfolded in phases, ensuring safety without disrupting operations. The following table summarizes the inspection status of all aircraft, including those cleared, under maintenance, or currently grounded, in a mobile-friendly format for quick and easy reference.
| Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Inspected & Cleared | 24 aircraft cleared by 3 PM Tuesday |
| Scheduled (Same Day) | 2 aircraft scheduled for inspection on Tuesday |
| Scheduled (Next Day) | 1 aircraft planned for inspection on Wednesday |
| Under Maintenance | 4 aircraft undergoing routine maintenance, will be inspected before service |
| AOG (Grounded) | 2 Dreamliners (VT-ANG & VT-ANT) at Delhi, to be inspected when serviceable |
Fleet Overview: Where Are the Dreamliners Now?
Air India operates 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a key pillar of its wide-body international fleet. The breakdown is as follows:
Status Aircraft Count
- Already Checked 24
- Planned (June 18 & 19) 3
- AOG at Delhi 2
- Under Maintenance (MRO) 4
These inspections weren’t just about engines and electronics. DGCA also reviewed the defect reporting system, urging Air India to:
Implement a more systematic and real-time defect reporting mechanism.
This proactive step is meant to improve decision-making and reduce operational disruptions, building a more resilient safety framework for the future.
Cancelled Flights: The Crash’s Ripple Effect
Although inspections cleared the Dreamliners for service, the impact on Air India’s operations was immediate. DGCA data reveals a sharp wave of B787 cancellations following the crash. The table below highlights how flight disruptions unfolded across six consecutive days, affecting wide-body operations significantly.
Following the Dreamliner incident, the DGCA released detailed data highlighting the cascading impact on Air India’s operations. The table below outlines daily wide-body flight operations and B787 cancellations from June 12 to 17. The figures reveal the scale of disruptions and ongoing recovery efforts.
| Date | Total Wide‑body Flights | B787 Flights Cancelled |
|---|---|---|
| June 12 | 90 | 5 |
| June 13 | 80 | 11 |
| June 14 | 86 | 12 |
| June 15 | 76 | 14 |
| June 16 | 75 | 11 |
| June 17* | 55 (till 6 PM) | 13 |
*DGCA data up to 6 PM
That’s 66 cancellations in six days—most involving the B787 fleet.
While flight disruptions are expected after a crash of this magnitude, such transparency in reporting underscores the aviation authority’s commitment to passenger trust.
DGCA’s Forward-Looking Stance
The regulator isn’t just ticking boxes. It’s pushing for real change:
The DGCA will continue to monitor the performance of all scheduled operators closely.
Moreover, the agency has recommended a digital upgrade to Air India’s defect detection and maintenance tracking systems. The idea is to make safety reporting instant, intelligent, and actionable.
Such modernization would move India closer to global aviation best practices, ensuring safety is predictive, not reactive.
Why This Matters Beyond Air India
This case is bigger than one airline.
The June 12 crash serves as a grim reminder that aviation safety is never static. With fleets expanding, passenger numbers surging, and tech rapidly evolving, regulators and carriers must stay ahead.
Air India’s swift inspection efforts and DGCA’s transparent communication show a mature, data-driven response—one that reassures flyers and rebuilds confidence.
Human Lives, Not Just Numbers
The tragedy wasn’t just about a crash—it was about 241 souls who never made it home. In the wake of the disaster, every inspection, delay, and regulation is more than protocol; it’s a vow. A vow to the victims, to their families, and to every future flyer. Numbers may explain the scale, but it’s human life that defines the weight. The skies will remember, and the system must never forget.
For Those Who Fly Next:
- Every safety delay reflects renewed accountability.
- Human lives are now at the center of aviation reform.
- Flying is safer today because of lessons paid for in sorrow.
What Should Passengers Know?
For passengers concerned about safety and schedules, here’s what you need to know. While inspections are still underway, Air India and DGCA have implemented strict safety protocols. The table below outlines key updates and what travelers should keep in mind during this transition phase.
| Key Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Return | Only after clearing all safety inspections |
| Flight Delays | Temporary disruptions may continue briefly |
| Safety Measures | DGCA and Air India working in coordination |
| Passenger Advisory | Check for latest updates on flight schedules |
Final Thoughts — And A Message to Flyers
In the aftermath of heartbreak, hope has quietly taken flight. The DGCA’s all-clear on Air India’s Dreamliners is more than a technical update—it’s reassurance born from scrutiny. This tragedy didn’t breed silence; it triggered vigilance. So, if you’re hesitating to fly, know this: every bolt, every system, every cockpit is being watched more closely than ever. The skies are not just open—they’re under the spotlight. And yes, it’s safe to fly again.
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Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and official statements. TN HEADLINES24 is not responsible for any decisions made based on this content. Readers are advised to verify independently before taking any action.
