Air India Issues Detailed Statement on Ahmedabad Plane Crash, Confirms Safety of Boeing 787 Fleet, Announces Flight Reductions

In the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India Flight A1171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members and 34 people on the ground, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson issued an emotional yet detailed statement, expressing deep sorrow and reaffirming the airline's commitment to safety and transparency. 

#AirIndiaPlaneCrash | Air India CEO Campbell Wilson says, "We want to share some important facts about Flight A1171 to provide clarity during this difficult time. The plane was well-maintained, with its last major check in June 2023 and the next scheduled for December 2025. Its… pic.twitter.com/4KzkcHXcwV

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2025

Acknowledging the Tragedy

“We are reaching out with heavy hearts,” Wilson said. “Words cannot express the pain we feel for the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event.”

He added that Air India is working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the crash and is offering full support to affected families. “Our thoughts are with everyone touched by this loss,” he said.

Clarification on Aircraft Condition

To address public concerns and speculation, the airline laid out the maintenance history of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved in the crash:

The aircraft underwent its last major maintenance check in June 2023, with the next scheduled for December 2025.

The right engine was overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025.

Both engines and the aircraft were regularly monitored, showing no prior technical issues before the flight.

The flight was led by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran pilot and trainer with over 10,000 hours on widebody aircraft, and First Officer Clive Kunder, who had over 3,400 hours of flying experience.

“These are the facts as we know them today,” said Wilson, emphasizing that Air India awaits the official investigation report to gain further insights.

Post-Crash Safety Measures

Following the DGCA’s directive on June 14, Air India launched comprehensive safety inspections on its entire fleet of 33 Boeing 787s:

26 aircraft have passed safety checks and are cleared for service.

The remaining 7, currently under routine maintenance, will undergo additional inspections before rejoining operations.

The DGCA has confirmed that Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet and maintenance protocols meet all safety standards.

Temporary Flight Reductions

To prioritize safety and minimize unforeseen disruptions, Air India announced:

Enhanced pre-flight checks will continue for all Boeing 787s and now also extend to the Boeing 777 fleet.

Due to time-intensive inspections, a 15% reduction in international widebody flights will be implemented from June 20 to mid-July 2025.

These steps aim to build passenger confidence and keep backup aircraft ready in case of operational needs.

Wilson also acknowledged recent flight delays and cancellations due to airspace closures in the Middle East, night restrictions at some airports, and the ongoing safety review, and apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers.