The Aviation Industry Employees’ Guild has demanded a CBI probe into Air India’s sacking of two cabin crew who reported a Boeing 787 technical fault. This comes amid Air India’s suspension of several international flights due to safety checks and airspace disruptions. Serious safety and accountability concerns emerge.
In a troubling development within India’s aviation sector, the Aviation Industry Employees’ Guild (AIEG) has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the controversial sacking of two Air India cabin crew members. This call for a high-level investigation comes at a time when Air India is also grappling with flight suspensions across multiple international routes due to operational and maintenance issues.
Air India, in an official statement, announced that it has temporarily suspended and reduced several international services due to maintenance requirements and broader operational challenges. The airline stated that its Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft are undergoing enhanced pre-flight safety checks. Additionally, airspace closures in the Middle East have increased flight durations, prompting route adjustments.
Affected routes include:
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Amritsar to London and Goa to London — suspended until July 15.
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Delhi to Nairobi — suspended until June 30.
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Partial reductions in services from Delhi to Toronto, Washington, London, Paris, Vienna, Melbourne, and Tokyo — effective from June 21 to July 15.
Air India emphasized that these decisions are voluntary and part of its commitment to ensuring passenger safety.
The AIEG’s call for a CBI probe is centered around the dismissal of two cabin crew members who, according to the union, were sacked after reporting a technical fault in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. AIEG General Secretary George Abraham told IANS that the crew members identified a serious fault during a flight from Mumbai to London on May 14, 2024. Upon landing, the aircraft’s slide rafts — critical components for emergency evacuation — deployed in manual mode, indicating a malfunction in the aircraft door system.
Abraham claims that both the pilot and the cabin crew initially acknowledged the technical issue in their official statements. However, he alleges that Air India’s management pressured the crew to alter their statements, and when they refused, they were terminated.
Given the gravity of the situation and its potential implications for passenger safety, the AIEG has written a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The letter requests a transparent and fair investigation into the crew’s dismissal and highlights broader safety concerns within Air India’s operations.
“This poses a threat to the safety of the aviation sector. The crew acted in the interest of safety, and their punishment sends a dangerous message,” said Abraham.
Following their dismissal, the crew members reportedly lodged a complaint with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Although the aviation regulator initiated an informal investigation and even summoned the crew to Delhi for questioning, no official outcome has been disclosed — even after eight months.
Abraham emphasized that the lack of resolution from DGCA is concerning, especially given the rising scrutiny on aviation safety following the recent deadly Ahmedabad plane crash. “We believe the government and public are now more aware of the risks. That’s why we are raising this issue again and urging action from the Prime Minister,” he said.
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This controversy strikes at the heart of India’s aviation ecosystem, raising questions about how safety whistleblowers are treated and the transparency of airline operations. If the allegations by the AIEG are true, the dismissal of employees for upholding safety protocols could have long-term implications for staff morale and passenger trust.
While Air India has not commented on the specific allegations regarding the dismissals, the government’s response to the AIEG’s demand for a CBI probe may shape the future of aviation accountability in India
