DGCA Initiates Inspections of Boeing Dreamliner Aircraft Across India

 

Following a serious incident involving Air India’s flight AI-171 on Thursday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun a comprehensive inspection of all Boeing Dreamliner aircraft operating in India.

On Friday, the DGCA issued directives for an additional inspection process to ensure safety standards are met. Air India promptly acted on the order, completing checks and examinations of its Dreamliner fleet within 24 hours.

According to officials, the inspections include rigorous on-time performance evaluations and detailed technical reviews of each aircraft. Boeing 787 Dreamliners will now undergo mandatory checks every six months before being cleared for flight.

 

New Orders for Pre-Flight Inspections

The DGCA clarified that from June 15 onwards, all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 models must pass a six-point inspection before each flight. This measure has been adopted to prevent any recurrence of technical glitches similar to Thursday’s incident.

During the flight that prompted the action, a technical malfunction had forced the crew to issue emergency alerts. Passengers were safely deboarded after landing, but the incident revived memories of past mishaps, including the 2012 crash involving Andhra Pradesh’s then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu referred to the incident while underlining the importance of strict safety protocols.

 

Air India Announces Additional Compensation

In a related development, Air India has announced that it will provide ₹2.5 million as additional compensation to the family of the passenger who lost their life in the recent incident.

According to the airline, this amount is over and above the compensation mandated under civil aviation regulations. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and welfare, stating that further support will be extended as needed.

 

Strengthened Monitoring of Dreamliner Operations

Moving forward, airlines operating Dreamliners will be required to maintain detailed records of all maintenance and pre-flight checks. The DGCA has warned that any lapses could result in suspension of aircraft operations until compliance is confirmed.

 

This intensified scrutiny of Dreamliner operations is part of broader efforts to strengthen air safety protocols in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.