Air India Chief Speaks Out after AI171 Crash, Announces 15% Reduction in Long-haul Flights for Safety

Moneylife Digital Team 19 June 2025

Economy & Nation

Air India's chief executive officer and managing director (CEO&MD) Campbell Wilson has addressed passengers directly in the aftermath of the tragic crash of Flight AI171 which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew as well as 34 people on the ground. In an email, he says the airline has committed to stringent safety inspections and announced a temporary 15% reduction in its international widebody schedule starting 20 June 2025.

In a heartfelt message sent to Air India’s customer base, Mr Wilson described the tragedy as a moment of 'deep sorrow' and pledged the airline’s full support to affected families, while cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the crash.

“Words cannot express the pain we feel for the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event,” he wrote. “We are fully committed to doing all we can to support the families impacted.”

Mr Wilson clarified key details surrounding the ill-fated flight, highlighting the experience and credentials of the crew. He says, "Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a seasoned pilot with over 10,000 flying hours, while first officer Clive Kunder had logged over 3,400 hours. The Boeing aircraft was reported to be in good condition. It had undergone its last major maintenance in June 2023, with its engines overhauled and inspected as recently as March and April 2025. No technical issues were recorded prior to take-off."

The aviation community is now awaiting the results of the official crash investigation, but Air India has already begun implementing preventive measures in the meantime.

Following directives from the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) on 14 June 2025, Air India has undertaken a comprehensive inspection of its fleet of 33 Boeing 787 aircraft. Of these, 26 have already been cleared for service, with the rest undergoing planned maintenance and checks.

Mr Wilson confirmed that DGCA has validated the safety of the Boeing 787 fleet and the airline’s maintenance practices.

However, the combination of these extended safety checks, airspace closures in the Middle East, night-time restrictions at key airports, and routine operational issues has caused a wave of long-haul flight cancellations in recent days.

"To address this, Air India has voluntarily decided to continue enhanced checks not only on its 787s but also on its Boeing 777 fleet. As a result, the airline will scale down its international widebody operations by about 15% from 20 June 2025 through mid-July. This move is intended to build in flexibility and ensure backup aircraft are on standby to absorb any unexpected disruptions," Mr Wilson says.

The Air India chief also assured affected passengers that they will be contacted in advance and provided with options to rebook at no extra charge or receive a full refund.

“We understand this may affect your travel plans, and we’re deeply sorry for the inconvenience,” he says. “We will share the updated international schedule within the next few days.”

He reiterated that, while the disruptions are regrettable, safety must remain the airline’s top priority.

Concluding his message, Mr Wilson thanked passengers for their patience and pledged to uphold Air India’s core commitment to safety.

“Your trust means everything to us,” he wrote. “This is a challenging time for all of us, but we are dedicated to serving you with care and, always, with safety.”

Flight AI171’s crash has sent shockwaves through the global aviation sector and Air India’s loyal passenger base. While the investigation continues, the airline is taking visible steps to rebuild confidence and reinforce its operational safety culture.

Comments

User

Meenal Mamdani

5 months ago

Excellent statement from AI chief.
He values lives more than profits.
I will gladly fly Air India as long as this man is at the helm.
If only Boeing officials had shown similar regard for safety rather than profit.