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Key Points

Air India's Delhi-Zurich flight faced delays due to mandatory Boeing 787-8 safety checks ordered after the Ahmedabad crash. A separate Hong Kong-Delhi flight was diverted mid-air over suspected technical issues, though passengers deboarded safely. The DGCA has accelerated inspections of Air India's Dreamliner fleet following the June 12 tragedy that claimed 241 lives. Authorities will hold a high-level aviation security meeting to review safety protocols.

Key Points: Air India Zurich Flight Delayed After DGCA Orders Boeing 787-8 Checks

  • DGCA orders enhanced safety checks on Air India's Boeing 787-8 fleet
  • Zurich-bound flight delayed but no technical fault found
  • Separate AI flight from Hong Kong diverted over suspected issue
  • Checks follow Ahmedabad crash that killed 241
2 min read

Air India flight from Delhi to Zurich delayed due to mandatory checks on Boeing 787-8

Air India's Delhi-Zurich flight delayed due to mandatory Boeing 787-8 safety checks following Ahmedabad crash, as DGCA tightens inspections.

"The pilot suspected some technical issue and, as a precautionary measure, the flight returned to its origin. – Air India Source"

New Delhi, June 16

An Air India flight from Delhi to Zurich was delayed on Sunday due to mandatory checks on Boeing 787-8 aircraft, resulting in its late arrival in Switzerland close to the night curfew, sources said on Monday.

The delay was not due to any technical issue but the mandatory checks ordered by government. The return flight is scheduled to operate as planned, sources clarified.

Earlier in the day, in a separate incident, an Air India flight, which was supposed to land in Delhi, was diverted back to Hong Kong after the pilot suspected a technical issue mid-air, according to sources.

The AI 315 flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had departed from Hong Kong to Delhi. According to the flight tracking site, Flight Radar 24, the Air India flight was supposed to reach Delhi by 12.20 PM.

Sources said that the passengers deboarded safely and the plane is undergoing a safety check.

"The pilot suspected some technical issue in the flight and, as a precautionary measure, the flight returned to its origin. Passengers have been disembarked and the flight is going through the check," the source said.

This incident comes up just days after the tragic Air India AI 171, also a Dreamliner 787-8, on June 12 in Ahmedabad, killing 241 people onboard.

Following the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also ordered enhanced safety checks on Air India's Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet. The airline has stated that inspections on nine out of its 33 Dreamliner aircraft had been completed, with the remaining 24 on track to be inspected within the timeline provided by the regulator.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London from Ahmedabad when it crashed shortly after takeoff. There were 242 people on board, including12 crew members.

Out of all the people, there was a lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, who sustained minor injuries and had been undergoing treatment.

A high-level meeting on civil aviation security, chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, is set to take place on June 17 in the wake of the recent Air India plane crash.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Safety should never be compromised, even if it causes delays. After the Ahmedabad tragedy, these checks are absolutely necessary. Better late than never! 🙏 Hope Air India completes all inspections properly without rushing.
P
Priya M.
As someone who frequently flies Air India internationally, this is concerning. The Zurich delay is understandable but the Hong Kong diversion shows deeper issues. DGCA must ensure proper maintenance - our national carrier's reputation is at stake.
A
Amit S.
Why only Air India? All airlines using Boeing 787s should undergo similar checks. This selective scrutiny raises questions. The Ahmedabad crash was tragic but let's not create panic with excessive reactions.
S
Sunita R.
My heart goes out to the Ahmedabad crash victims' families 😢 These safety checks give me some reassurance as a mother whose son studies abroad and flies Air India often. Hope they maintain this vigilance long-term, not just after accidents.
V
Vikram J.
The pilot returning to Hong Kong shows good judgment. In our Indian context where "jugaad" mentality sometimes compromises safety, this professional approach is refreshing. More power to such responsible crew members!
N
Neha P.
While safety is paramount, Air India should improve its passenger communication during delays. My cousin was on that Zurich flight - they were kept waiting for hours with minimal updates. Good safety + bad service = unhappy travelers.

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