Why is Air India operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner after repeated snags?

December 31, 2025 at 03:14 PM•2 min read

The DGCA issued a show-cause notice to Air India for operating the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANI on Delhi-Tokyo routes despite recurring technical snags and alleged non-compliance

Key Points

1The DGCA issued a show-cause notice to Air India regarding the operation of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANI) despite repeated technical snags.
2The notice specifically cites non-compliance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) for a flight operated on June 28.
3Safety concerns were flagged over aircraft dispatch protocols, MEL adherence, and flight crew decision-making during Delhi-Tokyo flights AI 258 and AI 357.
4The regulator noted the aircraft was flown with prior knowledge of recurring malfunctions and existing system degradations.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has demanded an explanation from Air India. The aviation watchdog issued a show-cause notice to the carrier this week. Air India is being questioned for operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner despite recurring technical issues. The specific aircraft flagged is registration VT-ANI. This regulatory action highlights serious aviation safety regulator India concerns.

Core Safety Concerns

The DGCA notice focuses on repeated technical snags affecting the aircraft VT-ANI. Sources indicate the aircraft was flown with prior knowledge of existing system degradations. The regulator flagged safety concerns over several operational aspects. These include aircraft dispatch protocols and flight crew decision-making. The issues relate to flights AI 258 and AI 357, which operate on the VT-ANI Delhi-Tokyo routes. The DGCA noted that the aircraft was operated despite prior knowledge of the repeated snags. This raises questions about the airline's risk assessment.

The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Violation

A critical part of the show-cause notice Air India received is the alleged non-compliance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL). This non-compliance was specifically cited for a flight operated on June 28. The MEL is a regulatory-approved document. It specifies which equipment can be inoperative for safe flight and under what conditions. Non-adherence to the MEL is a significant safety breach. The DGCA is reviewing the flight crew decision-making during these operations. Flight crews must assess the combined effect of multiple inoperative systems. The regulator believes this duty was not properly executed. This is a key concern when operating Dreamliner despite snags.

Industry Impact and Regulatory Action

This incident puts a spotlight on maintenance and operational standards at Air India. The DGCA is the principal aviation safety regulator India. Their action signals a strict stance on compliance. Ensuring Minimum Equipment List compliance is fundamental to safe commercial operations. Major regulators worldwide, like the FAA in the US, enforce similar strict standards. A failure in aircraft dispatch safety concerns can lead to severe penalties for the airline. The DGCA is seeking a detailed explanation from Air India. The airline has not yet provided a public comment on the matter. It is also unclear if the Boeing 787-8 VT-ANI is currently grounded. The outcome of this DGCA probe will be closely watched across the industry for its implications on maintenance oversight and crew training. Stay updated on this and other commercial aviation news at [flying.flights].