National News: Tuesday proved to be extremely challenging for India’s flagship carrier Air India, as the airline was forced to cancel multiple international flights due to technical malfunctions and the non-availability of aircraft. The disruptions affected thousands of passengers, many of whom had to either reschedule their travel plans or endure long hours of inconvenience at airports across the country.
Delhi–Paris Flight Canceled, Return Leg Also Suspended
One of the most prominent cancellations was Flight AI 143 from Delhi to Paris, which was grounded due to issues detected during a mandatory pre-flight technical inspection. Consequently, the return flight AI 142, scheduled to operate from Paris to Delhi on Wednesday, was also cancelled.
In an official statement, Air India said:
“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. We are arranging accommodation at hotels and, based on passengers’ preferences, offering either full refunds or complimentary rescheduling for a future date.”
Air India Spokesperson says, "Flight AI143 from Delhi to Paris of 17 June has been cancelled. The mandatory pre-flight checks identified an issue which is being presently addressed. However, in view of the flight coming under the restrictions on night operations at Paris Charles…
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2025Ahmedabad–London Flight Called Off, Passengers Upset
On the same day, another major route was disrupted when Flight AI 159 (Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner) from Ahmedabad to London was cancelled shortly before departure. The flight was scheduled to take off at 1:10 PM but had to be grounded due to the unavailability of the required aircraft.
Air India clarified that delays in flight schedules, driven by airspace restrictions and extended security checks, had disrupted aircraft rotation. As a result, a replacement aircraft from Delhi could not reach Ahmedabad in time.
San Francisco–Mumbai Flight Faces Emergency Stop in Kolkata
Adding to the day’s woes, Flight AI 180 from San Francisco to Mumbai was abruptly terminated at Kolkata Airport due to a technical fault in the left engine. The Boeing 777-200LR had landed at Kolkata at around 12:45 AM (Monday–Tuesday night), but the engine malfunction prevented it from continuing the journey to Mumbai.
List of Major Affected Flights
Due to the cascading technical issues, the following international flights were cancelled on Tuesday:
- AI 915 (Delhi – Dubai)
- AI 143 (Delhi – Paris)
- AI 153 (Delhi – Vienna)
- AI 159 (Ahmedabad – London)
- AI 133 (Bengaluru – London)
- AI 170 (London – Amritsar)
Air India’s Response & Passenger Assistance
Air India has expressed regret over the disruptions and confirmed that passengers on cancelled flights are being offered full refunds or free rescheduling, depending on their choice. The airline also mentioned that temporary accommodation and meals are being arranged for stranded passengers.
Reputation at Stake Amid Operational Challenges
These recurring technical issues are no longer just operational challenges—they are now threatening Air India's reputation and the trust of its global customer base. The growing frequency of such disruptions has led to increased dissatisfaction among flyers. Industry experts believe that stricter technical audits and proactive fleet maintenance are essential to restore confidence and ensure smooth operations moving forward.
