In a move that has sent ripples across India’s aviation sector, Air India cancelled eight flights—four international and four domestic—on Friday, citing “enhanced maintenance and operational reasons.” The sudden cancellations come on the heels of the tragic June 12 Ahmedabad crash, prompting the airline to initiate a sweeping safety overhaul.
Cancelled Flights on June 20: Full List
According to an ANI report, the following Air India flights were cancelled:
🌍 International:
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AI906: Dubai to Chennai
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AI308: Delhi to Melbourne
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AI309: Melbourne to Delhi
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AI2204: Dubai to Hyderabad
🇮🇳 Domestic:
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AI874: Pune to Delhi
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AI456: Ahmedabad to Delhi
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AI2872: Hyderabad to Mumbai
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AI571: Chennai to Mumbai
The airline has not disclosed specific technical or operational causes but has advised affected passengers to check flight statuses via the Air India mobile app or official website before heading to the airport.
Post-Crash Fallout: A Wave of Cancellations and Caution
The cancellations are part of a broader pattern since the deadly Ahmedabad–London crash on June 12 that claimed 38 lives and sent shockwaves throughout Indian aviation. Since the incident, Air India has reported multiple delays, technical snags, and in some cases, mid-flight diversions due to sudden faults.
While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not formally grounded the airline’s fleet, Air India has voluntarily intensified pre-flight checks, especially on its Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft—the same types used on many long-haul international routes.
Proactive Safety Measures: Long-Term Route Changes
In a statement released earlier this week on X (formerly Twitter), Air India confirmed a temporary reduction in flight operations between June 21 and July 15, 2025. The measures include:
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Reduced frequency on several international routes
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Temporary suspension of three long-haul sectors
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Implementation of extended pre-flight inspections
The airline explained the move as part of a “voluntary decision to undertake enhanced safety checks” and to compensate for longer flight durations due to Middle East airspace restrictions triggered by regional tensions.
“Our goal is to restore schedule stability and minimize last-minute inconvenience to passengers,” Air India posted.
Passenger Support: Refunds and Rescheduling
Recognizing the growing frustration among flyers, Air India reiterated its customer-first policy in response to the disruption. In an official statement, the airline said:
“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to these cancellations. Affected customers are being offered full refunds or the option to reschedule travel at no additional cost.”
However, travel experts note that the lack of early notification continues to be a sore point for many passengers, especially those traveling from non-metro airports like Pune and Ahmedabad.
Industry Reaction: Mixed Signals
While some aviation analysts have praised Air India’s proactive safety checks as a positive post-crash reform, others warn that recurring operational lapses may shake passenger confidence, especially with the peak monsoon travel season approaching.
Aviation safety expert Capt. Rajeev Sharma commented,
“The airline is doing the right thing, but the communication gap needs fixing. People want transparency, especially when lives are at stake.”
A Wake-Up Call for Indian Aviation
The turbulence at Air India reflects a broader reckoning for the Indian aviation sector, where rapid expansion has often outpaced maintenance infrastructure and crisis preparedness. While Air India’s safety-first approach may temporarily disrupt schedules, many hope it sets a new standard for accountability and risk management.
Passengers planning to fly with Air India in the coming weeks are strongly advised to monitor updates regularly and stay informed about route-specific advisories.
