New Delhi: Air India has cancelled eight flights on Friday (June 20)—four domestic and four international—citing “enhanced maintenance and operational reasons,” according to reports.
The airline has cancelled the following services:
International
AI 906: Dubai → Chennai
AI 308: Delhi → Melbourne
AI 309: Melbourne → Delhi
AI 2204: Dubai → Hyderabad
Domestic
AI 874: Pune → Delhi
AI 456: Ahmedabad → Delhi
AI 2872: Hyderabad → Mumbai
AI 571: Chennai → Mumbai
These cancellations come amid ongoing precautionary measures following the tragic June 12 crash of an Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad—killing 241 out of 242 on board. In response, India’s aviation regulator, DGCA, mandated enhanced maintenance inspections across the entire 787 fleet, all 33 in total.
Air India said the current cancellations result from these additional inspections and related operational delays, reported the Indian Express.
This localized schedule disruption echoes broader service reductions announced earlier this week. From June 21 to at least July 15, the airline is slashing frequency on key international routes—including North America, Europe, UK, Far East, and Australia—alongside suspending select sectors like Amritsar–London and Goa–London .
Airline’s compensation and support Details: Air India affirmed that affected travellers will be offered full refunds, complimentary rescheduling (when possible), and assistance with alternate travel arrangements promptly. Passengers are urged to confirm their flight status via Air India’s website or customer service hotlines.
These disruptions are part of a comprehensive response to the DGCA’s order for in-depth checks following the fatal Dreamliner crash. Though DGCA found no “major safety concerns,” it did highlight coordination and maintenance lapses, urging the airline to bolster spare parts availability and inter-departmental communication.
Additional challenges—such as airspace closures over the Middle East, volcanic activity, crew duty limits, and weather—have compounded scheduling strain.
