On Tuesday, June 17, Air India Flight AI‑159, scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was cancelled just before departure. The Airbus Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft faced a technical issue during pre-flight checks. This unexpected cancellation left over 200 passengers stranded at the airport, with many confused and frustrated.
What Happened with AI‑159
Originally set to take off around 1:10 PM IST, AI‑159 was part of Air India’s international route network connecting India to the UK. It bore a new flight number, replacing AI‑171 the flight that suffered a fatal crash on June 12 This cancellation, coming just days later, heightened passenger concern.
Air India first described the issue as an aircraft unavailability due to longer airline turnaround time, stemming from “airspace restrictions and precautionary checks. air India canceled flight due to safety of travelers..” Later reports clarified that a technical snag was found during these checks
Passengers Left Stranded at Ahmedabad Airport
Passengers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were surprised when the airline informed them of the cancellation only after a nearly two-hour delay Many travelers had arrived hours early, some even flying in from other cities, making the last-minute notice all the more distressing. Flights News
Stranded passengers shared their frustration, noting limited information and support from airline staff. One affected traveler, Anirudh Singh Jala, said:
“Customer service was unresponsive for hours. They finally replied, but now I might travel on June 19 instead.”
Airline’s Response and Support Plans
Air India apologized and said it would provide hotel accommodations and full refunds or rescheduling options The airline also cancelled the return flight AI‑170 from London Gatwick for June 17.
In its statement, Air India insisted the cancellation was “not due to a technical snag,” but rather delays in preparing the aircraft. However, contradictory accounts at the airport linked the issue to technical checks found earlier that day.
Safety Concerns After Recent Crash
This cancellation happened only days after the crash of Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787 Dreamliner—shortly after departing Ahmedabad on June 12. That crash resulted in 241 onboard fatalities and dozens of deaths on the ground, marking India’s worst aviation disaster in decades .
Following the crash, India’s aviation regulators required urgent safety and maintenance checks across all 787 Dreamliners. air India canceled flight which is necessity for safety. Flights originating from Ahmedabad including AI-159 were under heightened scrutiny, causing delays and cancellations .
Growing Public Worry and Frustration
This second disruption on a high-profile route inflamed anxiety among travellers. Many questioned whether Air India’s fleet maintenance and crisis communication are strong enough. With technical issues reported on other international routes such as flights to Paris and Mumbai public concerns are mounting .
Passengers are now closely watching how quickly Air India can fix these problems and restore trust. Many are choosing to change flights, postpone travel, or demand better communication.
Time Constraints for Affected Travelers
Air India has begun rebooking passengers on flights scheduled for June 19 and beyond. Travelers also have the option to claim full refunds if they do not want to wait .
Regulators from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) are expected to monitor airline compliance with safety audits. These bodies recently reviewed training and maintenance records after the June 12 disaster .
Safety Comes First in Flights
Flight AI‑159’s cancellation is a stark reminder of the importance of aircraft safety and transparent communication, especially after a tragic incident. While travelers face delays and uncertainty, ensuring passenger safety must remain the priority.
Air India faces a tough test: speeding up safety inspections, restoring passenger confidence, and maintaining seamless operations. For now, those impacted wait hoping their next journey to London will be smooth and safe.
