Special Correspondent
Mumbai : Following heightened scrutiny after the recent runway incident in Ahmedabad, Air India on Thursday cancelled eight of its scheduled flights — including four international routes — citing technical inspections, adverse weather conditions, and operational constraints. The decision affected flights operating from major hubs such as Chennai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Dubai, and Melbourne.
According to the airline’s official statement, international flights cancelled include Dubai to Chennai (AI906), Delhi to Melbourne (AI308), Melbourne to Delhi (AI309), and Dubai to Hyderabad. On the domestic front, flights from Pune to Delhi, Ahmedabad to Delhi, Hyderabad to Mumbai, and Chennai to Mumbai were called off. The cancellations came into effect early Thursday morning, and passengers were notified via SMS, emails, and airport displays.
The airline clarified that the move was taken as a precautionary step to prioritize passenger safety and ensure aircraft meet operational and maintenance standards. In the statement, Air India said, “Our commitment to safety remains paramount. While we regret the inconvenience caused, such measures are necessary in light of recent maintenance checks, weather disruptions, and regulatory directives.”
This development comes in the wake of a minor but widely publicized incident earlier this week where an Air India aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing in Ahmedabad. Though no injuries were reported, the incident drew attention to the airline’s maintenance procedures and prompted internal reviews. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also issued a circular urging Indian carriers to intensify aircraft inspections, particularly for international flights during the ongoing monsoon season.
Affected passengers have been assured of full refunds and the option to reschedule their travel at no extra cost. Ground staff at affected airports were instructed to assist travelers in real-time, while customer support channels were scaled up to handle increased queries. “We are offering complete refunds or alternate travel arrangements for all impacted passengers. Our teams are working on priority to ensure travelers are rebooked with minimal disruption,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, aviation analysts have welcomed the decision as a proactive step, noting that while such disruptions are inconvenient, they reflect a growing emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance in the Indian aviation sector. With rising passenger volumes and unpredictable weather patterns during monsoon months, airlines are expected to place a greater focus on preventive safety measures.
Passengers are advised to check Air India’s website or mobile app for real-time updates, and contact the helpline for assistance with rebooking. As per ministry sources, the Civil Aviation Ministry is also expected to review readiness protocols across all major airlines in the coming days.
