Air India Flags Potential Schedule Changes on A350 Long Haul Services
Mumbai – Air India has cautioned passengers about possible disruptions to some of its long haul services operated by Airbus A350 aircraft.
The advisory follows an incident involving one of the airline’s wide body jets after its return to New Delhi.
According to the airline, the aircraft experienced damage while taxiing after landing in low visibility conditions.
As a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for inspection and technical checks.
The airline stated that safety remains its top priority and that all necessary procedures are being followed.
Engineers are carrying out a detailed assessment before the aircraft is cleared to return to service.
Air India currently operates a small but growing fleet of A350 aircraft.
These planes are deployed on premium international routes connecting India with major global cities.
Routes served by the A350 include key destinations such as London and North America.
These services are an important part of the airline’s international expansion strategy.
While alternative aircraft are available on some sectors, operational adjustments may be required.
This could lead to changes in flight timings or aircraft assignments on select routes.
The airline has advised passengers to stay updated through official communication channels.
Customers affected by any changes are expected to be informed directly by the airline.
The incident occurred after the aircraft returned to Delhi following an earlier diversion.
The diversion was linked to airspace restrictions that required flight path adjustments.
After landing safely, the aircraft encountered an obstruction on the taxiway area.
This resulted in visible damage to one of the engines, prompting immediate action.
Aviation authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway.
The focus remains on identifying the exact sequence of events and preventing recurrence.
Images shared by regulators showed localized damage within the engine intake section.
Such inspections are standard practice to ensure continued airworthiness of the aircraft.
Air India emphasized that the issue was identified on the ground and not during flight.
All passengers and crew were reported safe, with no injuries involved.
The airline has been investing heavily in fleet modernization.
The induction of A350 aircraft is part of a broader plan to improve passenger experience.
Industry observers note that temporary disruptions are not uncommon with new aircraft types.
Airlines often take additional precautions during the early phase of operations.
Air India’s response reflects its commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
Grounding the aircraft until repairs are completed aligns with global aviation norms.
Passengers planning to travel on affected routes may see short term changes.
However, the airline aims to minimize inconvenience through careful scheduling.
Officials have indicated that repair work will proceed without delay.
Once cleared, the aircraft will be gradually reintroduced into the schedule.
The incident has drawn attention due to the prominence of the routes involved.
Long haul international services are a key focus area for the carrier.
Air India continues to operate other aircraft on similar routes where feasible.
This flexibility helps ensure continuity of service during maintenance periods.
Overall, the situation is being managed within established safety and regulatory frameworks.
The airline has reassured travelers that operations remain safe and reliable.
