In-flight technical glitch forces AI315 back to Hong Kong
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating Flight AI315 from Hong Kong to Delhi had to return to its departure airport shortly after takeoff due to a suspected technical malfunction. The pilot observed irregularities in the aircraft’s systems and made a precautionary decision to turn back for safety reasons. AI315 landed safely in Hong Kong, and all passengers disembarked without incident. Maintenance teams are now conducting inspections to determine the root cause of the issue.
Recent AI171 crash raises aviation safety warning
This event follows a tragic incident on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, also a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad for London. The flight went down in a residential area near the BJ Medical College, resulting in the deaths of 241 out of 242 individuals on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and an additional 38 people on the ground, raising the confirmed total to approximately 280 casualties.
Series of Boeing 787 alerts emerge post-AI171 crash
Since the AI171 disaster, several Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft have reported technical snags, suspicions of engine and hydraulic anomalies, and warnings tied to structural issues. Some notable occurrences include:
- Frequent flight control system alerts noted across multiple 787 aircraft.
- Engine irregularities involving thrust undulations, prompting heightened monitoring.
- Aftermarket concern: In 2024, a Boeing engineer officially raised worries about structural integrity in certain 787 frames, though no direct link has been established to these recent incidents.
These events have prompted aviation regulators, like the DGCA in India, and global safety watchdogs to initiate rigorous inspection regimes for Dreamliners worldwide.
Regulatory response and industry oversight rivals
Following the AI171 crash, aviation authorities have mandated more stringent safety protocols for Boeing 787 operations. These include:
- Enhanced monitoring of fuel, engine, hydraulic, and flight-control systems
- Recurrent inspections and maintenance checks at shorter intervals
- Immediate analysis of recurring technical issues with closure reported upon resolution
Authorities say they will continue tracking Dreamliner maintenance and operational records closely, focusing on preventing future tragedies.
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