Air India: A year after disaster, safety still a concern

One year after the AI171 Dreamliner disaster in June 2025, Air India is implementing enhanced maintenance oversight and safety protocols. This crisis, India's deadliest aviation accident in decades, has spurred the Tata-owned carrier to focus on transformation. New leadership, including engineering experts from Singapore Airlines, has been brought in to bolster engineering discipline and implement global best practices.

Despite these initiatives, significant operational gaps and recurring technical defects remain a concern. In February 2026, data revealed that over seven in ten aircraft in the Air India Group fleet showed recurring issues. Past incidents, such as operating without a valid airworthiness review certificate and a flight returning due to an incorrect destination-approved aircraft, underscore these persistent challenges.

These ongoing lapses have impacted customer confidence, notably leading to a loss of corporate travel business. The June 2025 crash has prompted tightened safety and maintenance oversight across the Indian aviation sector, with final accident investigation findings pending. The airline's focus remains on improving maintenance, adhering to procedures, and addressing operational gaps under new leadership.