AI171 Had Prior Technical Issues Before Deadly Crash in Ahmedabad

December 2024 flight on same Ahmedabad–London route was cancelled due to technical fault, affecting nearly 300 passengers. As investigators piece together the causes of the deadly crash of Air India Flight AI171, new information has emerged showing that the same flight on the same route had been cancelled just six months ago due to technical issues raising fresh questions about ongoing aircraft maintenance and safety protocols.

On December 13, 2024, Air India had cancelled the AI171 service from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, citing a “technical fault” that affected nearly 300 passengers, many of whom had already checked in and boarded. The issue forced the airline to disembark all passengers, delay onward travel by several hours, and rebook some passengers on different carriers.

At the time, Air India did not publicly specify the nature of the fault, but sources familiar with airline operations say it involved sensor irregularities and issues with onboard control systems that required urgent intervention. These technical concerns are now drawing renewed scrutiny in light of today’s crash.

“The fact that the same flight was grounded for mechanical reasons only months ago will absolutely be central to any investigation,” said an aviation safety expert. “Investigators will now look at maintenance logs, service bulletins, and airworthiness directives connected to this specific airframe.”

Connection to Today’s Tragedy

Today’s crash of Flight AI171, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London Gatwick Airport. The aircraft carried 242 people, and crashed into a residential building, causing a fiery explosion and widespread damage.

Earlier analysis of takeoff footage has already suggested serious abnormalities, including that the landing gear remained extended and flaps appeared fully retracted a configuration highly inconsistent with safe takeoff procedures.

Now, with the history of prior technical faults, aviation regulators and the airline may face tough questions over the airworthiness and inspection frequency of the aircraft, and whether the December 2024 technical issue was resolved or indicative of deeper mechanical instability.

DGCA and Air India Under Pressure

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not yet commented on the December 2024 incident, but sources say it will be a core focus of the official crash investigation, which is now underway with support from Boeing and U.S. safety authorities.

Air India, in a brief statement earlier today, confirmed the crash and said an internal technical team has been activated, in coordination with the DGCA and Boeing.

Aviation analysts warn that any negligence or pattern of recurring faults especially involving critical control systems could lead to regulatory action or a broader audit of Air India’s long-haul fleet.

Background: India’s Flagship Carrier

Flight AI171 was one of Air India’s premier long-haul routes, connecting western India with the UK. The airline had previously been criticised over maintenance delays and aging aircraft, although its 787 Dreamliner fleet is considered relatively modern.

Passengers affected by the December 2024 cancellation had taken to social media at the time, expressing frustration and concern over a lack of transparency from the airline. Many were traveling for holidays or medical treatment in the UK.

Next Steps

With the black box and cockpit voice recorder from the crashed aircraft now being sought at the crash site, officials are expected to compare flight data from today’s crash with maintenance history and fault logs from previous months including the December 2024 cancellation.

If systemic issues are uncovered, the fallout could lead to fleet-wide inspections, suspension of certain routes, or further regulatory investigations into Air India’s operations.