Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : New Delhi, June 17: A scheduled Air India flight from Delhi to Paris was abruptly cancelled on Monday after a technical snag was discovered during mandatory pre-flight inspections. The decision to ground the aircraft was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety, officials from the airline confirmed.

The flight, AI143, was preparing for departure from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris when the issue was flagged by engineers during routine checks. Sources from the airline said that the problem appeared to be related to one of the aircraft’s critical operational systems. While the airline did not elaborate on the exact nature of the technical fault, it confirmed that the aircraft was deemed unfit for takeoff based on safety protocol.

"Safety is paramount. Our engineering team identified a technical issue during standard pre-flight checks, and in line with aviation regulations and safety practices, the aircraft was taken out of service," said a senior Air India spokesperson.

Passengers, who had already completed their check-in procedures and some of whom had boarded, were informed of the cancellation soon after the issue was confirmed. Many expressed frustration over the lack of immediate alternate arrangements, particularly given that this was an international flight with tight connecting schedules for several travelers.

Air India stated that arrangements were being made to accommodate passengers on alternate flights, either via rescheduled Air India services or by placing them on partner airline routes. The airline also offered hotel accommodation and meals to stranded passengers as per international aviation norms.

This incident comes at a time when Air India, now under the management of the Tata Group, is working to revamp its image and modernize its fleet. While such technical checks are standard in the aviation industry and cancellations due to safety concerns are not uncommon, the episode has drawn attention due to the heightened scrutiny the airline faces amid recent accidents and operational disruptions.

Aviation experts have praised the airline for prioritizing safety, even at the cost of operational inconvenience. “It’s always better to be cautious. A cancellation due to technical concerns discovered on the ground is far better than dealing with a mid-air emergency,” said an aviation safety analyst.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also been notified of the issue, although it is being treated as a routine technical event that does not warrant a formal investigation at this point. However, the aircraft will undergo a thorough inspection and maintenance protocol before being cleared for future flights.

Air India has apologized to passengers for the inconvenience and assured them of full support in managing rebooking, refunds, or accommodations. Many passengers took to social media to share their experiences, with some expressing appreciation for the transparency, while others voiced concerns over delays in information dissemination.

As international travel picks up following the summer season and increasing demand from Indian outbound travelers, disruptions such as these put pressure on airlines to maintain both punctuality and safety. For Air India, maintaining that balance is particularly crucial as it navigates its ambitious revival strategy under Tata Group ownership.

Despite the disruption, the airline reiterated its commitment to operational reliability and passenger safety, promising to minimize inconvenience in similar situations going forward. The affected aircraft will remain grounded until engineers confirm complete rectification of the issue.