Air India Reports Three Boeing 787 Technical Glitches Since July; DGCA Orders Enhanced Safety Checks
Three Technical Issues Reported in Boeing 787 Fleet Since July
Air India has reported three technical glitches involving its Boeing 787 aircraft since July this year, the government informed Parliament on Thursday. The disclosure comes months after a Boeing 787 accident in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to direct the airline to conduct enhanced safety inspections of its Dreamliner fleet.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that all aircraft were inspected following DGCA’s directive and were found satisfactory. The minister added that technical glitches, while concerning, are not unusual in day-to-day operations and are handled under strict aviation protocols.
DGCA Tightens Oversight and Compliance Measures
According to the minister, the DGCA regularly monitors airlines to ensure compliance with safety and maintenance standards. This includes routine surveillance, spot checks, and night inspections of aircraft and technical staff. Airlines are required to take corrective action on observations flagged during these checks.
In cases where violations are detected, the DGCA may impose warnings, suspensions, cancellations, or financial penalties on airlines or personnel as per established procedures. The minister emphasised that the regulatory framework ensures that any identified risk is addressed immediately.
How Technical Snags Are Reported and Rectified
Explaining the standard protocol, Mohol said aircraft may experience technical faults due to malfunctioning components or equipment. These issues are typically detected through aural or visual cockpit warnings, abnormal system indications, or operational difficulties experienced by crew members.
Flight crew record the problems in the Flight Report Book, which is later reviewed by a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). The engineer then follows procedures outlined in the manufacturer’s Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or Trouble Shooting Manual to identify and rectify the fault. Repairs may include component replacement, system testing, and equipment servicing.
Once the issue is resolved, the aircraft is released back into service, and a formal entry is made in the Flight Report Book confirming satisfactory rectification.
Our Final Thoughts
Air India’s reported glitches underline the importance of strict regulatory oversight and transparent reporting in aviation safety. With DGCA’s enhanced inspections and standardised rectification protocols, India’s aviation framework continues to prioritise passenger safety and operational reliability.