Ahmedabad Crash Fallout: Air India to Cut International Flights by 15%
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Following the Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India on Wednesday announced that it will cut its international flights operated by wide-body aircraft by 15 per cent. The reduction will be implemented till June 20 and will continue till at least mid-July. The airline said in a statement, "This step has been taken to increase the availability of reserve aircraft with us, so that any unforeseen disruption can be resolved in a timely manner."
This decision has been taken after the recent crash of Air India flight AI 171, which tragically killed 241 passengers and crew members. The airline said that this reduction is being done with the aim of maintaining stability in operations, ensuring better efficiency and minimising inconvenience to passengers.
Air India apologized to the affected passengers and said that they will be informed in advance and every effort will be made to accommodate them in alternative flights. Passengers can reschedule their journey without any additional charges or get a full refund. The airline said that the new schedule of international flights to be implemented from June 20 will be shared soon.
'Enhanced Safety Inspection' has been made mandatory on Air India's Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft by DGCA. Out of a total of 33 aircraft, 26 have been inspected and have been approved for service. The inspection of the remaining aircraft will be completed in the coming days. At the same time, Air India also said that additional safety inspections will be done on Boeing 777 aircraft as well and full cooperation will continue with all concerned agencies.
Air India said that in coordination with the Government of Gujarat and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, all possible efforts are being made to help the families of the deceased and the injured. The airline said, "This is a necessary step to restore operational stability and save passengers from last minute inconvenience. We are confident that with the support of the countrymen, passengers and all stakeholders, we will overcome this difficult phase."
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