Turbulence in the Skies: A Month of Flight Disruptions Post-Ahmedabad Crash

NEW DELHI – July 3, 2025 – In the wake of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, the Indian and global aviation sectors have experienced a heightened period of scrutiny, marked by a series of technical glitches, emergency landings, diversions, and significant delays. The incidents, ranging from minor operational snags to alarming mid-air scares, underscore the critical importance of aviation safety and the ongoing challenges faced by airlines worldwide.

The Ahmedabad crash, which tragically claimed 275 lives, including 241 on board and 34 on the ground, has cast a long shadow, prompting intensified inspections and a renewed focus on maintenance protocols. Since then, numerous flights have been impacted, leaving passengers anxious and highlighting the complexities of modern air travel.

Key Incidents Since June 12, 2025:

Air India and Air India Express Under Scrutiny:

• June 14: Delhi Scare: Just 38 hours after the Ahmedabad tragedy, an Air India Boeing 777 (AI 187) bound for Vienna experienced a “stall warning” and “don’t sink” caution shortly after takeoff from Delhi, losing approximately 900 feet in altitude. The crew managed to recover the aircraft, which continued its journey, but both pilots have been off-rostered pending investigation.
• June 16: Dreamliner Returns: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI315) operating the Hong Kong-Delhi route was forced to return to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to a suspected technical issue. All passengers and crew landed safely, and the aircraft is undergoing thorough checks.
• June 15: Extended Delay: An Air India Express flight from Guwahati to Kolkata suffered an 18-hour delay, with passengers deboarded twice due to a persistent ‘technical glitch’.
• June 13: Security Alert Diversion: A Delhi-bound Air India Airbus A320neo returned to Phuket following a ‘security alert’.
• June 28: Burning Smell and Technical Snags: An Air India flight from Mumbai to Chennai made an emergency landing in Mumbai due to a “burning smell in the cockpit,” necessitating an aircraft change. On the same day, an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Jammu also returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue.
• Cancellations: Air India has also reported cancellations on several international routes, including Delhi-Paris, Bengaluru-London, and Mumbai-San Francisco, citing aircraft unavailability and issues detected during pre-flight checks.

Incidents Involving Other Airlines:

• June 15: British Airways Turnaround: A British Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (BA35) en route from London to Chennai returned to London mid-air due to a technical snag.
• June 16: Lufthansa Bomb Threat: A Lufthansa flight (LH752) destined for Hyderabad from Frankfurt was forced to turn back to Frankfurt after a bomb threat was received.
• June 17: IndiGo Emergency Landing: An IndiGo flight from Muscat to Delhi made an emergency landing in Nagpur following a bomb threat.
• June 27: Jaipur Cancellations and Delays: An IndiGo Airlines flight (6E 7217) from Jaipur to Ahmedabad was cancelled after a two-hour delay due to technical issues before takeoff. Separately, a SpiceJet flight (SG 1077) from Jaipur to Pune was delayed by over seven hours due to operational issues.
• July 1: SpiceJet Window Panel: A SpiceJet flight (SG-1080) from Goa to Pune experienced a mid-air scare when a window panel became dislodged. The airline clarified that it was a “non-structural trim component” for shade and did not compromise safety.
• June 26: Saudia Medical Emergency: A Saudia Airlines flight (SV119) from Jeddah to London was diverted to Cairo after a cabin manager suffered a medical emergency and tragically passed away mid-flight.
• June 30: Japan Airlines Plunge: A Japan Airlines Boeing 737 (JL8696), operated by Spring Airlines Japan, en route from Shanghai to Tokyo, experienced a terrifying sudden drop of nearly 26,000 feet mid-air due to a mechanical issue, prompting an emergency landing at Kansai International Airport. Passengers reported oxygen masks deploying and moments of intense fear.
• June 27: Shandong Airlines Malfunction: A Chinese domestic flight of Shandong Airlines (SC4667) made an emergency landing in Nanjing after passengers reported a burning odor and an “aircraft malfunction.”

The flurry of incidents since the Ahmedabad crash underscores the challenges in maintaining seamless operations in a complex industry. While many incidents are attributed to technical glitches or operational issues, the increased frequency has undoubtedly heightened public awareness and concern regarding air travel safety. Aviation authorities and airlines are under immense pressure to reinforce safety protocols and restore passenger confidence.