Air India has recently made the decision to cancel 15% of its wide-body long-haul flights until mid-July 2025. This move comes following a series of challenges the airline has been facing, including the tragic Air India flight AI171 accident in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The accident, which claimed the lives of 241 people, stands as the worst aviation disaster globally in the past decade.

Amidst ongoing airspace closures, maintenance requirements, geopolitical tensions, and growing delays, Air India has taken action to ensure operational stability and enhance efficiency while minimizing disruptions for passengers. As stated by the Tata Group-owned airline, these operational adjustments are crucial to navigate through the current turbulent times.

The airline's long-haul flight program has been significantly impacted by recent events, such as the closure of Pakistan’s airspace in June 2025, leading to route diversions and extended journey times for passengers. In the aftermath of the AI171 incident, Air India's widebody fleet, including the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, had to undergo rigorous engine checks, further straining the operational capacity.

Additionally, hostilities between Israel and Iran resulted in the closure of Iranian airspace, prompting more flight reroutings and disruptions. These adjustments not only lengthened flight durations but also caused cascading delays throughout the airline's schedule, creating a challenging situation to manage.

Recognizing the impact on travelers, Air India has announced plans to revamp its long-haul schedule to mitigate cancellations and delays. The airline's commitment to safety is evident through the completion of inspections on a portion of its Boeing 787 fleet, with the remaining aircraft set for upcoming evaluations.

In a recent statement, Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran assured that the aircraft involved in the AI171 incident had a history of proper maintenance. Chandrasekaran highlighted that the right engine was new, installed in March 2025, while the left engine had undergone servicing in 2023.

Despite the setbacks, Air India remains dedicated to providing safe and efficient services to passengers. With a fleet comprising various widebody aircraft, the airline continues to navigate through the challenges and complexities of the current aviation landscape. Stay tuned for updates on Pilotcenter.net News as Air India works towards resolving operational issues and enhancing its long-haul flight operations.