In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which claimed 275 lives, including those on the ground, CEO Campbell Wilson addressed growing concerns over aircraft maintenance and operational safety.
In a detailed statement, Wilson confirmed that the aircraft had passed all scheduled checks, with no reported malfunctions before takeoff.
“The plane underwent a major inspection in June 2023, with engine overhauls completed as recently as March and April 2025,” Wilson said. “Both engines and the aircraft were regularly monitored, showing no issues before departure.”
Following directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India has conducted enhanced safety inspections on its Boeing 787 fleet—26 of 33 aircraft have been cleared, and the rest remain under review.
Wilson acknowledged operational strain due to the inspections, regional airspace closures, and airport restrictions, which have led to long-haul flight cancellations. To streamline operations and ensure safety, the airline is reducing its widebody international schedule by 15% between June 20 and mid-July.
Affected passengers are being offered full refunds or free rebooking, while revised schedules will be issued shortly.
Calling the crash a moment of “deep sorrow,” Wilson extended condolences to affected families and confirmed ongoing cooperation with authorities investigating the incident.
