What's happened
Indian aviation authorities are investigating multiple safety incidents involving Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including an unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during a flight from Amritsar to Birmingham on October 4, 2025. This follows a June crash in Ahmedabad linked to fuel cutoff switches. Boeing has been asked for detailed reports amid growing pilot and regulator concerns.
What's behind the headline?
Growing Safety Concerns Around Air India 787 Dreamliners
The recent spate of incidents involving Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliners highlights systemic safety challenges that go beyond isolated technical faults. The unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) on October 4, 2025, despite normal electrical and hydraulic system readings, signals potential underlying issues in aircraft systems or maintenance protocols.
Regulatory and Industry Response
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has escalated scrutiny by demanding detailed reports from Boeing and ordering inspections of all 787s operating in the country. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has voiced serious concerns, emphasizing the rarity and gravity of RAT deployments without apparent cause.
Implications for Passenger Confidence and Airline Operations
These incidents risk eroding public trust in Air India and the Boeing 787 fleet, especially given the tragic June crash linked to pilot actions and system failures. The grounding and inspection of aircraft will disrupt operations but are necessary to ensure safety.
Forecast and Next Steps
Expect intensified regulatory oversight and possible operational restrictions on the 787 fleet in India. Boeing will likely face pressure to enhance system reliability and transparency. The investigation's outcome could influence global perceptions of the 787's safety and impact airline fleet decisions.
Broader Context
This situation underscores the critical importance of robust cockpit communication, system redundancy, and thorough maintenance in modern aviation. It also highlights the challenges regulators face balancing safety with operational continuity in a complex global aviation environment.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reported on October 7, 2025, that the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) expressed serious concerns about the RAT deployment on Air India flight 117, noting it was "a serious concern that warrants a detailed inquiry." The article highlighted that "all electrical and hydraulic parameters were normal," yet the RAT engaged unexpectedly, reigniting safety fears after the June crash in Ahmedabad. The Independent on October 6, 2025, echoed these concerns, stating the RAT "normally would be activated when an aircraft's engines lose power," but in this case, it deployed without such failures, prompting the FIP to call for an investigation. Business Insider UK on October 14, 2025, detailed a separate Air India 787 incident where autopilot and flight control systems failed mid-flight, forcing a diversion to Dubai. The Federation of Indian Pilots' president, CS Randhawa, praised the pilots' skill but urged grounding and inspection of all 787s. Bloomberg on October 12, 2025, confirmed that India's aviation regulator requested Boeing submit a detailed report on preventing un-commanded RAT deployments. These sources collectively illustrate escalating regulatory and pilot community alarm over Boeing 787 safety in India, with calls for thorough investigations and preventive measures.
How we got here
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has faced scrutiny in India after a June 2025 crash killed 260 people when fuel cutoff switches were activated. Recently, an Air India 787 experienced an unexpected RAT deployment during a flight to Birmingham, raising fresh safety concerns and prompting regulatory investigations.
Go deeper
- What caused the unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine on Air India flight 117?
- How is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation responding to these Boeing 787 issues?
- What impact will these incidents have on Air India's operations and passenger safety?
Common question
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Why Did the Air India Boeing 787's RAT Deploy Unexpectedly?
An unexpected deployment of the ram air turbine (RAT) on an Air India Boeing 787 has raised serious safety questions. The incident occurred during final approach to Birmingham, despite normal electrical and hydraulic systems. This event follows a recent crash involving the same aircraft type, prompting investigations into the aircraft's safety and reliability. Below, we explore what caused the RAT to activate unexpectedly, what safety implications this has, and how airlines and authorities are responding.
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What Causes Unexpected Deployments Like the RAT in Flights?
Recent aviation incidents, such as the unexpected deployment of the ram air turbine (RAT) on an Air India flight, raise important questions about aircraft safety and system reliability. Understanding what triggers these unexpected events can help reassure passengers and inform safety protocols. Below, we explore common causes of such malfunctions, how airlines respond, and what safety measures are being improved to prevent future incidents.
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Are Air India Flights Safe After Recent Incidents?
Recent events involving Air India, including unexpected emergency system activations and a tragic crash, have raised questions about flight safety. Passengers and travelers want to know if flying with Air India is still safe and what measures are being taken to ensure safety. Below, we explore the causes of these incidents, the safety of Boeing 787 planes, and what airlines are doing to prevent future problems.
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Are Recent Aircraft Incidents a Sign of Broader Safety Issues?
Recent aircraft incidents, including unexpected system activations and tragic crashes, have raised questions about the overall safety of flying today. Are these isolated events or signs of deeper problems in aviation safety? In this page, we explore what airlines and authorities are doing to prevent future accidents, how investigations are conducted, and whether flying is becoming safer or riskier over time.
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What Are the Recent Safety Concerns About Air India?
Recent incidents involving Air India flights, including unexpected safety system activations and a tragic crash, have raised questions about airline safety standards. Passengers and industry experts are now looking closely at what these events mean for airline safety checks and future risks. Below, we explore the key issues, what regulators are doing, and what this means for travelers today.
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What Are the Safety Concerns About Air India's Recent Incidents?
Recent events involving Air India's aircraft, including an unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) and a June crash, have raised questions about the airline's safety. Authorities are investigating electrical and mechanical systems, prompting passengers and the public to wonder: Are these incidents isolated or part of a bigger problem? Below, we explore the key concerns, ongoing investigations, and what they mean for travelers today.
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2025 has brought significant shifts across global economies, housing markets, electric vehicle adoption, and aviation safety. People are asking how these changes impact their finances, travel, and the future of transportation. Below, we explore key questions about these trends and what they mean for everyday life and the economy.
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Are Boeing 787s Safe After Recent Incidents?
Recent events involving Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliners have raised questions about their safety. Incidents like the unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine and a fatal crash in Ahmedabad have prompted investigations by Indian authorities and calls for thorough inspections. If you're wondering whether these aircraft are still safe to fly or what safety measures are in place, read on to find out more about the current situation and what experts are saying.
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Are Recent Aviation Incidents and Global Crises Affecting Travel Safety?
With ongoing aviation safety concerns, conflicts in Gaza and Yemen, and recent UN incidents, travelers are wondering how these events impact their safety and plans. From aircraft malfunctions to regional conflicts, understanding the current risks can help you stay informed and prepared for your next trip. Below, we explore key questions about travel safety amid these global crises.
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Are Boeing 787 Dreamliners Safe to Fly Right Now?
Recent safety incidents involving Boeing 787 Dreamliners, especially in India, have raised questions about their safety. From unexpected system deployments to investigations following crashes, travelers and industry experts are wondering if these aircraft are still reliable. Below, we explore the current safety status of the Boeing 787, what issues have been reported, and what authorities are doing to ensure passenger safety.
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Are Boeing 787s Safe to Fly Right Now?
Recent safety concerns involving Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliners have raised questions about their safety. Incidents like unexpected Ram Air Turbine deployments and autopilot failures have prompted investigations by Indian regulators and calls for inspections. If you're wondering whether it's safe to fly on a Boeing 787 today, read on to understand the current situation and what airlines and authorities are doing to ensure passenger safety.
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Are Air India's Boeing 787 Safety Issues Still Ongoing?
Recent safety concerns involving Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliners have raised questions about the aircraft's safety. From unexpected system deployments to recent incidents, travelers and industry experts are wondering what’s really happening. Here’s what you need to know about the latest investigations, safety reports, and what steps authorities are taking to ensure passenger safety.
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Air India is the flag carrier airline of India, headquartered at New Delhi. It is owned by Air India Limited, a government-owned enterprise, and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations.
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