Air India Crash: Boeing 787 Dreamliner Had Maintenance Checks In June 2023, Was Due For Next In December

Ahmedabad: The recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad has shocked the entire aviation industry, with questions being raised about the safety protocols and maintenance procedures followed by the airline. According to the officials, the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, had undergone comprehensive maintenance checks in June 2023 and was due for the next scheduled comprehensive checks in December this year.

The plane, en route to London Gatwick, crashed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, resulting in a massive loss of life. Apart from the 241 people onboard the plane, many others on the ground also died. The crash has been described as one of the most tragic aviation disasters in recent history.

According to airline officials, the aircraft VT-ANB underwent C checks or comprehensive checks in June 2023, which were done by AIESL (AI Engineering Services Ltd). The right side engine of the nearly 12-year-old aircraft was overhauled and installed in March 2025, while an inspection of the left side engine was done as per the engine manufacturer's protocol in April 2025. The officials claimed that there were no issues with the engines or the aircraft.

DGCA Orders Enhanced Safety Checks

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered enhanced safety checks of Air India's Boeing 787-8/9 planes following the crash. Air India has confirmed that the one-time safety checks of the aircraft are on track and have been completed for nine planes. The airline has 26 legacy Boeing 787-8s and seven Boeing 787-9s in its fleet.

GE Aerospace, the manufacturer of the GEnx engines that powered the ill-fated aircraft, has supported the action being taken by the DGCA for enhanced safety inspections of the Air India 787-8/9 fleet. "We continue to work closely with the appropriate regulatory and investigative agencies, and we are committed to providing all technical support necessary to understand the cause of this accident," a GE Aerospace spokesperson said in a statement.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing the crash, and a high-level multi-disciplinary committee has also been set up to examine the causes of the accident. The investigation is expected to take some time, and the findings will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash.

Former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has commented on the crash, saying that after three-and-a-half years of the takeover of Air India by the Tatas, the management needs to fine-tune various aspects of running a world-class airline, including maintenance. Patel's comments have added to the growing scrutiny of Air India's safety protocols.