Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 19: In the wake of a recent fatal crash and mounting operational disruptions, Air India has announced a 15% reduction in its international flights operated by widebody aircraft, a move that will remain in effect until at least mid-July.

The Tata Group-owned national carrier issued a statement on Wednesday evening confirming the temporary cutback. The airline cited the need for enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 777 fleet as a "matter of added precaution" following recent incidents.

The decision comes amid growing concerns after an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed on June 12 shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, along with several fatalities on the ground, triggering a widespread review of operational and safety protocols.

Air India also attributed the disruptions to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, night curfews in airspaces over parts of Europe and East Asia, and the ongoing intensified maintenance inspections of its aircraft.

Over the past six days alone, the airline has cancelled at least 83 international flights, causing inconvenience to passengers and prompting a reassessment of current international operations.

Officials indicated that passenger safety remains paramount and assured that normal services will be restored gradually once the inspection procedures are completed and international conditions stabilize.