Air India aircraft malfunctions: Pilots’ union demands that all Boeing 787s be grounded

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has called on the Civil Aviation Ministry to urgently ground all Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by Air India, citing a surge in technical and electrical failures over the past few months. The union has submitted an official letter highlighting the need for an immediate inspection and outlining three major demands to ensure passenger safety and operational reliability.

According to the FIP, there have been continuous electrical issues and a special DGCA audit concerning Air India’s aircraft maintenance procedures. These persistent faults have raised serious questions about the airline’s safety protocols and maintenance standards.

The call for grounding follows multiple incidents involving Boeing 787 aircraft. Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was urged by FIP to carry out an in-depth examination and technical Investigation into the electrical and flight control systems of all Boeing 787s currently operating in India.

Recent Air India Boeing 787 Incidents

On October 4, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Amritsar to Birmingham was grounded in the UK after its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) unexpectedly deployed during descent. The aircraft, operating as Flight AI117, experienced the failure just before landing, forcing an emergency response.

Similarly, another Air India Dreamliner en route from Vienna (Austria) to New Delhi had to be diverted to Dubai on October 9 due to a suspected mechanical malfunction. The flight resumed after a brief technical check and departed Dubai airport for Delhi at 8:45 AM IST.

The FIP reported that these aircraft experienced major technical issues when the autopilot system failed mid-flight, triggering a chain reaction of malfunctions. Critical systems like the Flight Directors (FDs), Instrument Landing System (ILS), and Flight Control Systems all deteriorated, leaving the aircraft unable to perform an autoland.

FIP Raises Serious Safety Concerns

Adding to the growing concern, the union cited the June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the tragic loss of 260 lives. The pilots’ union emphasized that the lack of proper investigation into recurring Dreamliner malfunctions is putting the safety of Indian airspace and passengers at risk.

“We urge the Honorable Civil Aviation Minister to immediately ground all Air India Boeing 787s and order a comprehensive safety inspection focused particularly on electrical systems,” the letter stated. “The rising frequency of 787 failures poses a serious threat to flight safety, making it essential for the DGCA to conduct a special technical audit.”

Maintenance and Engineering Concerns

The FIP further alleged that the number of technical incidents increased notably after Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) took over aircraft maintenance duties. Before AIESL’s involvement, the union claimed that maintenance-related issues were significantly fewer.

The Federation’s Three Key Demands

To address the crisis effectively, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has put forward three major demands to the government:

• Immediate grounding of all Air India Boeing 787 aircraft until safety inspections are completed.
• A comprehensive DGCA-led audit focusing on electrical and flight control systems.
• Reevaluation of maintenance procedures under AIESL and restoration of proven safety protocols.

Air India and Boeing Respond

In response to the growing controversy, Air India officials have categorically denied reports of an electrical failure on Flight AI-154 from Vienna to Delhi. “There was no electrical malfunction on the aircraft,” said an Air India spokesperson, dismissing all related claims as unfounded.

Meanwhile, Boeing, the U.S. aerospace giant that manufactures the Dreamliner, has not yet issued any official statement regarding the recent technical issues reported on Air India flights, including the Birmingham incident and the tragic Ahmedabad crash.

Conclusion

The unfolding situation has placed Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet under intense scrutiny. With the Federation of Indian Pilots demanding immediate grounding, the DGCA and the Civil Aviation Ministry now face mounting pressure to ensure the safety of passengers and restore confidence in the nation’s aviation system. The coming days will determine whether the authorities prioritize operational continuity or take decisive action in the interest of aviation safety and public trust.