Two India-Bound Dreamliners Face Mid-Air Scares, Turn Back Amid Safety Concerns
Just days after a devastating Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad claimed 270 lives, two more Boeing 787-8 aircraft bound for India were forced to return mid-air due to suspected technical issues—raising fresh concerns about the safety of the wide-body aircraft operated by several global airlines, including Air India and British Airways.
On Monday morning, an Air India flight AI 315 en route from Hong Kong to Delhi turned back barely 90 minutes after take-off. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, developed a technical snag flagged by the cockpit crew, prompting a swift return to Hong Kong International Airport as a precautionary measure.
The incident occurred around 9:30 am IST, and flight tracking data from Flightradar24 confirmed that the aircraft made a looped path before landing safely. Passengers were deplaned without injury, and a detailed safety inspection of the aircraft was immediately initiated.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating:
“AI315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 16 June 2025 air-returned to Hong Kong shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The flight landed safely at Hong Kong and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution. We are making alternative travel arrangements for passengers and providing full ground assistance.”
This was the second mid-air Dreamliner scare within 24 hours.
British Airways Dreamliner Also Turns Back
On Sunday, a British Airways flight BA35 from London Heathrow to Chennai had to abandon its journey and return to the UK after nearly two hours in the air. The aircraft, also a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, reportedly experienced a technical glitch. Though the airline did not elaborate on the exact nature of the problem, it confirmed the aircraft landed safely.
“The flight returned to Heathrow as a standard precaution following a potential technical issue,” British Airways said in a statement. “All customers disembarked normally, and we apologize for the inconvenience.”
BA35 was initially delayed at departure, taking off at 1:16 pm local time instead of the scheduled 12:40 pm. It was due to arrive in Chennai by 3:30 am IST but never made it past Europe before circling back.
Both incidents come at a sensitive time for Boeing and the aviation industry, especially with India mourning the tragic loss from the June 11 crash of Air India Flight 171.
Ahmedabad Tragedy Still Fresh
The crash of AI 171 remains one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, plunged shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad while en route to London. The jet slammed into the campus of a medical college in the Meghaninagar area, causing a massive fireball that killed all 241 people on board and 29 individuals on the ground, including students and staff of the institute.
The lone survivor, a British national of Indian origin, is currently undergoing intensive treatment in Delhi. Investigations into the crash are still ongoing, but early findings suggest a catastrophic engine failure and hydraulic malfunction during ascent.
In the wake of the crash, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive safety inspection directive for all Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, particularly those equipped with General Electric’s GenX engines.
DGCA Mandates Rigorous Checks
The DGCA directive mandates the following safety checks:
- Fuel parameter and system diagnostics monitoring
- Cabin air compressor and associated components inspection
- Electronic engine control system testing
- Operational tests for the fuel-driven actuator and oil system
- Hydraulic system serviceability check
- Take-off thrust and performance data review
With Air India operating the country’s largest Dreamliner fleet—33 Boeing 787-8 jets—the national carrier has committed to complying fully with the DGCA’s requirements.
Industry on Alert
Aviation analysts note that while Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner remains a modern and efficient aircraft, the spate of recent incidents has rattled public confidence. These back-to-back technical issues, coupled with a high-fatality crash, are prompting international scrutiny.
IndiGo, the only other Indian carrier to operate Dreamliners, has also ramped up safety evaluations. Global regulators, including the FAA and EASA, are in touch with Indian authorities to monitor developments.
As the aviation world closely watches the unfolding investigations, passengers and crew are increasingly seeking reassurances about aircraft safety and maintenance standards.
In the coming weeks, further updates from crash investigators and global regulators are expected to shape the conversation around the Boeing 787’s future role in international aviation.
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