Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 17: Air India on Tuesday cancelled several international flights, citing mandatory pre-flight checks and safety precautions, triggering travel disruptions and chaos at airports.

Flight AI 143 from Delhi to Paris was axed after pre-departure checks revealed an issue that is now being addressed. Consequently, the return leg Flight AI 142 from Paris to Delhi scheduled for June 18 was also cancelled.

“Due to night operation restrictions at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the return flight has been called off. We regret the inconvenience and are arranging alternative travel and hotel accommodation for affected passengers,” Air India said in a statement, offering full refunds or complimentary rescheduling.

Earlier, Flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to London-Gatwick a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was grounded before takeoff due to airspace restrictions and precautionary checks, not a technical snag as speculated. The sudden cancellation at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport left numerous passengers stranded and anxious, especially in the wake of last week’s air tragedy.

The route has seen two cancellations within four days. The June 14 flight was also cancelled following a devastating crash that claimed 270 lives, including 241 passengers onboard. The carrier has since retired the flight number AI-171, replacing it with AI-159.

In another disruption, an Air India flight from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata was halted at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport early Tuesday after a technical issue was detected in one engine during checks.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has called for an urgent virtual meeting with officials of Air India and Air India Express, reflecting rising concerns over operational safety.