Aborted takeoff: Air India flight from Delhi to London halted due to technical issue
In a recent development, Air India Flight AI2017 from Delhi to London aborted takeoff at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi due to a technical glitch. The incident occurred on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking the third safety concern for Air India this month.
Fortunately, the 200 passengers on board the aircraft were left unharmed, although many were understandably shaken by the sudden turn of events. In response, ground staff swiftly provided refreshments and rebooking options for the affected passengers. An alternate aircraft is being considered for departure to London by 3:30 PM IST.
Initial observations suggest a fault relating to inconsistency between the aircraft's sensors. The precise nature of the issue is currently under investigation.
This incident comes amidst ongoing safety inspections of Air India's Boeing 787-8/9 fleet, mandated by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following a fatal accident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in June 2025. The crash resulted in 241 fatalities and significant damage on the ground.
Air India has been experiencing operational disruptions due to the accident and other factors such as geopolitical tensions and airspace curfews. To maintain safety and minimise passenger inconvenience, the airline has reduced international widebody aircraft services by 15% until at least mid-July 2025.
The official investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that the previous crash was caused by both engines losing thrust after fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF shortly after liftoff. The exact reason for this switch movement is still under investigation.
Air India remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its passengers, and is working diligently to address the technical issues that have arisen in recent weeks. The airline appreciates the understanding and patience of its passengers during this challenging time.
- The latest incident involving Air India Flight AI2017 is also a concern for the finance industry as it may impact the company's revenue from travel and general-news outlets will report on this frequently.
- The technical glitch on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has raised questions about the safety of the aviation industry, particularly Air India, and could potentially affect consumer confidence in air travel.
- The transportation sector might face temporary disruptions due to the operational issues at Air India, possibly leading to delays in the delivery of goods and services.
- As Air India works to resolve technical issues and enhance safety measures, the lifestyle of passengers will be affected by reduced international widebody aircraft services, and they are advised to plan their travels accordingly.
