What's happened
Air India has experienced two safety incidents in three days, raising concerns about its operational reliability. A flight from Tokyo to Delhi was diverted to Kolkata due to warm cabin temperatures, following a previous incident where a flight returned to Mumbai due to a burning smell. The DGCA is investigating.
What's behind the headline?
Safety Reliability Concerns
- The recent incidents highlight ongoing issues with Air India's fleet reliability, particularly as the airline undergoes a significant overhaul under Tata Group ownership.
- The DGCA's intensified inspections and operational disruptions suggest a systemic problem that could affect passenger confidence.
- With Air India already facing scrutiny after the June crash, these incidents may lead to stricter regulations and oversight.
Implications for Air India
- The airline's reputation is at stake, and continued safety issues could deter passengers, impacting revenue.
- The DGCA's involvement indicates that regulatory bodies are taking these incidents seriously, which may lead to further operational changes.
- Air India must prioritize safety improvements to regain public trust and ensure compliance with aviation standards.
What the papers say
According to Gulf News, the recent diversion of Air India flight AI357 was due to 'persistent warm temperatures' in the cabin, which has raised alarms about the airline's technical reliability. The airline's spokesperson stated, 'We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers.' This follows another incident where flight AI639 returned to Mumbai due to a burning smell, as reported by Lekshmy Pavithran. The Independent adds that these incidents come on the heels of a tragic crash on June 12, prompting the DGCA to enhance inspections of Air India's fleet. The airline's operational challenges are compounded by a series of hoax bomb threats and other safety concerns, indicating a turbulent period for Air India.
How we got here
These incidents come amid a broader scrutiny of Air India's safety protocols following a fatal crash on June 12, 2025, which killed 270 people. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive safety review of the airline.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for Air India's operations?
- How is the DGCA responding to these incidents?
- What safety measures is Air India implementing?
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