In the aftermath of the devastating crash of Flight AI-171, Air India has taken a hard pause—and it’s not just symbolic. The airline is cutting 15% of its international wide-body operations, signaling a serious shift in both strategy and safety protocols.

The decision comes after the tragic June 12 crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which left 241 people dead and caused additional casualties on the ground. It’s now being called India’s deadliest air accident in decades, shaking the aviation industry and prompting immediate scrutiny of Air India’s fleet and practices.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

Starting immediately and stretching at least until mid-July, Air India is reducing international services on wide-body aircraft, which include the Boeing 787 and 777 series—the backbone of its long-haul network. According to the airline, this move is part of a broader plan to stabilize operations, boost safety checks, and minimize passenger disruptions amid growing pressure.

Here’s the breakdown: of the airline’s 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 jets, 26 have now passed a mandatory “Enhanced Safety Inspection” ordered by aviation regulator DGCA. The remaining aircraft are still under review. And just to be extra sure, Air India is also launching proactive safety inspections on its Boeing 777 fleet—a clear sign that the airline isn’t taking any chances.

Geopolitical Tensions Add to the Turbulence

But this isn’t just about one tragic crash. Air India says the current cutbacks are also being driven by multiple challenges in global airspace, including:

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
Night curfews over European and East Asian skies
Ongoing internal inspections
And a newly cautious stance taken by both engineering crews and pilots

Together, these factors have already led to the cancellation of 83 international flights over just the past week.

“Passenger Safety Is Our Top Priority”

In a heartfelt statement, the airline said:

“Air India remains in mourning on the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew members aboard flight AI-171. Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and communities affected by the accident.”

The carrier also emphasized that its focus remains firmly on passenger safety, operational stability, and restoring trust in the wake of the accident.

What’s Next for Flyers?

For now, international travelers may face longer wait times, rerouted journeys, or outright cancellations, especially on routes served by Dreamliners and 777s. If you’re booked to fly internationally with Air India before mid-July, it might be time to double-check your itinerary—and pack a little extra patience.

That said, the airline’s current stance suggests a deep commitment to long-term change, not just quick-fix damage control. And after a tragedy of this scale, the cautious route is the only one that truly makes sense.