India Orders Inspection of All Boeing 787s After Deadly Air India Crash

India's aviation regulator has ordered immediate inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by domestic airlines following a tragic Air India crash that killed 270 people in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to the UK, crashed seconds after take-off, hitting buildings and erupting in flames, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in a decade.

Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that extended surveillance on all 34 Boeing 787s in India is underway. Eight aircraft have already been checked. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had earlier mandated Air India to conduct in-depth maintenance checks, particularly on models equipped with GEnx engines. These include take-off parameter evaluations, electronic engine control, and fuel system tests.

While no planes have been grounded yet, the government is reportedly considering that option. Air India, which operates 33 of the 787s, said it is complying with safety directives, though longer turnaround times and delays on long-haul routes are expected. Rival airline IndiGo, which has one Boeing 787, has not commented.

The crash investigation focuses on potential engine thrust issues, flap malfunctions, and why the landing gear did not retract. Only one of the 242 passengers and crew survived. Recovery teams have retrieved 270 bodies, many charred, complicating identification.

The Tata Group, which took over Air India in 2022, pledged to uncover the cause. An interim compensation of ₹2.5 million (~$29,000) has been offered per victim, in addition to previous aid.

DNA matching and dental identification are ongoing, but delays have caused frustration among grieving families. Authorities say the process is critical to ensure accurate identification as India mourns one of its gravest aviation tragedies.