India's Aviation Regulator Orders Urgent Inspections of Boeing 787s Following Air India Crash

In a tragic incident, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on June 12, 2025, resulting in the loss of at least 270 lives. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history, compelling India’s aviation regulator to mandate immediate inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by domestic airlines.

The Minister for Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, announced the inspection order during a media briefing, emphasizing that the directive was issued to ensure the safety of the flying public and to investigate all potential causes of the crash. “We have instructed Air India to conduct additional maintenance checks on its Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines. This includes assessments of specific take-off parameters, electronic engine control tests, and engine fuel-related checks,” Naidu stated.

Air India operates 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, while rival airline IndiGo has one, according to data from Flightradar24. Naidu reported that eight of the aircraft have already been inspected, with the remaining planes scheduled for immediate evaluation. Despite the inspections, Air India confirmed that the aircraft have not been grounded, although a government source indicated that grounding may be considered if necessary.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 individuals and tragically lost altitude shortly after its departure, crashing into a building near the airport. Eyewitness accounts described the plane erupting into flames upon impact, which occurred at a medical college’s hostel. Only one passenger survived the disaster, while the recovery operations have been arduous, with at least 270 bodies retrieved from the wreckage.

The situation has caused significant distress among the families of victims, many of whom have been waiting at hospitals for updates. Rafiq Abdul Hafiz Memon, who lost four relatives in the crash, expressed his frustration, stating, "We have lost our children ... we are not understanding anything. Please help us get information about our children.” The identification process has been complicated, as many bodies were severely charred, prompting authorities to rely on dental records for identification.

In the wake of the crash, Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata Group since 2022, faces intense scrutiny regarding its safety protocols and operational standards. The Tata Group's chairman remarked, “We want to understand what happened, but we don’t know right now.” The government has authorized a panel to investigate the crash, with a report expected to be released within three months. Naidu assured the public that all potential causes of the crash would be thoroughly examined, including concerns regarding engine thrust, wing flaps, and the landing gear's position during take-off.

This incident is not only a devastating loss for the families affected but also a critical moment for India's aviation sector, which has been striving to enhance its safety standards and regain public confidence. The implications of this tragedy may resonate throughout the industry, prompting a reevaluation of safety protocols and regulatory oversight. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that such a disaster does not occur again.