New Delhi: The Indian government is likely to ground the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet for a thorough safety review following the tragic crash of an Air India aircraft shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, sources revealed on Friday.
The move comes as part of precautionary measures amid mounting concerns over the safety of the aircraft model involved in the disaster that claimed 241 lives. According to officials familiar with the matter, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to initiate a comprehensive technical and operational assessment of the Dreamliner fleet currently in service with Indian carriers.
“The safety review is being seriously considered, and grounding the fleet temporarily is one of the key options being evaluated,” one source said.
The aircraft that crashed — a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — was operating Air India flight AI 171 to London-Gatwick when it went down minutes after departure from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. A full investigation is already underway, led by a high-level committee constituted by the Centre.
The DGCA, along with aviation experts, is also coordinating with Boeing representatives to analyze data and assess if any systemic issues or mechanical failures were involved.
More details on the potential grounding and review process are expected in the coming days as authorities prioritize passenger safety in the wake of one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.
