The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed on Thursday, resulting in 241 fatalities and only one survivor, experienced engine problems and failed to retract its landing gear prior to the accident.
Preliminary investigation data, obtained after the recovery of two black boxes, indicates these issues contributed to the crash. Authorities have launched a comprehensive technical and operational investigation, and a government panel is expected to release a detailed report on the causes within three months.
In response to the tragedy, the Civil Aviation Authority of India has ordered an immediate inspection of all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Indian airlines. The crash, which claimed at least 270 lives—including passengers, crew, and individuals in a nearby dormitory affected when the plane fell into the building—has prompted urgent safety reviews.
Indian Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Saturday that enhanced safety protocols are being implemented for all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines. These measures include testing takeoff parameters, electronic engine control systems, and fuel supply checks.
Air India, which operates a fleet of 33 Boeing 787s, confirmed it is complying with the safety orders. The airline warned that these checks may cause delays to some international flights. Meanwhile, IndiGo, which has only one Boeing 787 in its fleet, is also subject to the new safety measures.
Tate Group, the owner of Air India, announced that it will compensate the families of the crash victims with approximately $115,000 for each individual.
