Air India has come under fresh scrutiny for operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner despite repetitive technical snags and known system degradations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued a show cause notice earlier this week — flagging non-compliance with the Minimum Equipment List for the flight operated on June 28. The airline has faced a litany of complaints and legal hurdles in 2025, with the DGCA previously issuing notices over crew and compliance violations, training gaps and maintenance concerns.
According to a PTI report quoting sources, the aviation watchdog has noted that there were safety concerns related to aircraft dispatch, MEL compliance and flight crew decision-making during the operation of flights AI 258 and AI 357. Details have not been released officially but it is believed that these flights operate on the Delhi-Tokyo route. The regulator also said Air India had operated the plane despite having prior knowledge of repeated snags and existing system degradations.
DGCA probes Boeing 777 engine failure after mid-air shutdown
The developments came mere days after the aviation watchdog began probing an Air India incident that involved mid-air engine failure and a rushed return to Delhi airport. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft had seen the oil pressure in its right-hand engine dropped to zero soon after take-off — forcing the crew to shut it down mid-climb. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had also taken note of the Air India flight AI-887 incident an sought a detailed report from the airline.
A statement from Air India said the crew operating AI-887 decided to return to Delhi due to a technical issue in accordance with standard operating procedures. It added that the aircraft is undergoing necessary checks while a replacement plane departed with all the passengers on board. The aircraft, carrying 335 people, was airborne for nearly an hour before returning to Delhi.
Air India to bring back Boeing 787-8
The Tata Group airline also outlined its 2026 plans on Wednesday — confirming that the first two Boeing 787-8 planes from its legacy fleet will re-enter services in February following a full interior refit. Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal added in a letter to loyalty programme members that the refit of its 777 fleet will also commence this year. Six brand-new wide-body aircraft — comprising 787s and A350s — are slated to arrive in the coming months.