New Delhi, July 31, 2025 – An Air India flight bound for London was forced to abort takeoff at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday due to a suspected technical issue, prompting immediate safety protocols and precautionary measures.
The flight, AI2017, was scheduled to depart for London when the cockpit crew identified a potential issue during the takeoff run. In adherence to standard operating procedures, the crew decided to discontinue the takeoff and return the aircraft to the bay.
In a statement, an Air India spokesperson confirmed:
“Flight AI2017 operating from Delhi to London on 31 July returned to bay due to a suspected technical issue. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off run following standard operating procedures and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks.”
Air India further announced that an alternative aircraft was being deployed to transport passengers to London “at the earliest.” The airline’s ground staff is currently assisting all passengers to minimise discomfort caused by the delay.
“At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain the top priority,” the spokesperson added.
Incident Follows DGCA Audit Highlighting Operational Deficiencies
This incident comes just a day after India’s civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), released a damning surveillance report identifying 51 safety-related deficiencies in Air India’s operations. The audit, conducted from July 1 to July 3, covered a wide range of operational areas at the airline’s main base.
The findings revealed critical lapses in flight dispatch, crew rostering, simulator training, cabin crew procedures, and digital record-keeping. Specific violations cited included excessive crew duty hours, improper simulator use for training, and deployment of unqualified personnel.
The report has raised concerns about the airline’s internal compliance mechanisms, especially as Air India undergoes a major transformation under Tata Group ownership.
Focus on Passenger Safety
Despite the setback, aviation experts have commended the cockpit crew’s swift and responsible decision, reinforcing the importance of following protocol in ensuring passenger safety.
With heightened regulatory scrutiny and increasing pressure to align with global safety standards, Air India’s ongoing modernization efforts are likely to be tested even further.
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