After the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 last week, the Indian aviation sector is facing widespread disruption, with multiple international flights cancelled or diverted on Tuesday. Airlines including Air India and IndiGo are experiencing significant operational strain, resulting in passenger confusion and delays at key hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
The AI171 crash, which resulted in the loss of all 241 passengers, has prompted heightened technical and safety scrutiny across India’s civil aviation network. In response, several aircraft have been grounded for inspections, leading to cascading delays and cancellations in both outbound and inbound schedules. Officials suggest that restoring passenger trust after the AI171 disaster requires not only mechanical integrity but also transparent communication, customer care, and emergency handling capacity.
Among the most notable cancellations is Air India’s newly introduced AI159 from Ahmedabad to London—a replacement for the ill-fated AI171. This flight, intended to reassure travellers and symbolise service continuity, was itself grounded due to unresolved technical concerns. Other major cancellations include AI915 (Delhi–Dubai), AI153 (Delhi–Vienna), AI143 (Delhi–Paris), and AI165 (Delhi–London Heathrow).
Adding to the chaos, IndiGo’s 6E 2706 from Muscat to Delhi had to be diverted to Nagpur, while Azerbaijan Airlines J260 from Mumbai to Baku was cancelled entirely. Passengers at major Indian airports voiced frustration over the lack of timely communication, last-minute alerts, and limited rebooking options. Several flyers reported receiving sudden cancellations via SMS or app notifications with no clear alternatives, leaving them stranded at airports for hours.
Assistance counters were overwhelmed, and social media platforms were flooded with complaints about poor customer support and inadequate contingency planning. Experts point to three key reasons for the disruption: increased technical checks, limited fleet availability, and crew scheduling challenges. As aircraft are pulled in for inspection or repair, operational flexibility is reduced.
Industry observers note that such cancellations may continue for several days until airlines complete comprehensive fleet audits and adjust schedules accordingly. Civil aviation authorities have reportedly issued interim guidelines requiring more rigorous safety protocols, contributing further to turnaround delays.
