On June 17, 2025, Air India Flight AI180—a Boeing 777‑200LR traveling from San Francisco to Mumbai—faced a technical issue during a scheduled stop at Kolkata Airport. A malfunction was detected in the left engine, prompting authorities to deplane passengers as a safety precaution.
Incident Overview
The flight landed in Kolkata around 12:45 AM, and while it was preparing for onward departure to Mumbai, a technical snag was discovered during post-landing checks. Around 5:20 AM, the aircraft’s commander made the decision to disembark all passengers. Ground staff and maintenance teams immediately began inspecting the affected engine.
Passenger Experience
More than 220 passengers were safely deboarded and taken to the terminal. They were provided meals, rest space, and alternative travel arrangements. While some expressed concern over delays and lack of early information, most appreciated the airline’s decision to prioritize safety—especially in the wake of recent incidents.
Air India’s Recent Challenges
This incident adds to a string of operational challenges faced by Air India in recent weeks:
- A Dreamliner flight (AI159) was grounded due to engine complications.
- A separate flight from Hong Kong to Delhi had to return mid-air due to a technical issue.
- The tragic crash in Ahmedabad earlier this month, which resulted in heavy casualties, has already raised red flags about aircraft maintenance and operational integrity.
These events have triggered a broader review of Air India’s technical protocols and fleet reliability.
DGCA and Safety Oversight
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reportedly directed Air India to conduct comprehensive technical inspections across its Boeing fleet. This includes checks on electronic engine control units, fuel systems, air compressors, and exhaust monitoring. The goal is to ensure that all aircraft meet the highest safety standards before resuming full operations.
Conclusion
Though inconvenient, the technical snag in Flight AI180 highlights the importance of proactive safety protocols. The timely identification and handling of the engine issue averted what could have become a more serious situation. However, the rising frequency of such incidents suggests deeper systemic issues that Air India and regulatory bodies must urgently address. Restoring passenger confidence will now depend on transparency, timely action, and a visible commitment to safety.
