In the wake of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an extended surveillance program for all Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operating in India. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that eight out of the 34 Dreamliners in the country have already undergone inspection as part of the ongoing safety review.
Speaking during the government’s first official press briefing on the crash, the minister stated, “We have directed comprehensive checks on all Boeing 787 aircraft in India. So far, eight aircraft have been inspected. The process is being expedited across all operators.”
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed at approximately 1:40 PM on Friday, just one minute after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. According to Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, the aircraft had completed two successful legs — Paris to Delhi and Delhi to Ahmedabad — and had no prior technical issues reported.
Initial reports suggest the aircraft collided with a residential building housing medical professionals, leading to 241 fatalities out of 242 passengers and crew. One survivor has been confirmed and is currently in critical condition under intensive medical care.
The government began the press conference with a minute of silence to honour those who lost their lives in the accident.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed Air India to fully cooperate with investigation authorities and provide immediate assistance to the families of those affected. “All necessary support — logistical, financial, and emotional — must be provided without delay,” said Naidu.
