Ahmedabad Crash Puts Spotlight on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner's Troubled History

New Delhi, Jun 12, 2025, By Our Correspondent

New Delhi, June 12 – The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, renowned for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, is once again under scrutiny following the crash of Air India Flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, was carrying 242 people, including 10 crew members, when it crashed into a residential area near the airport.

While the Dreamliner is widely used for long-haul international routes and is considered a modern marvel, its operational history has been marred by a series of technical and safety concerns.

In 2013, the global fleet of Boeing 787s was grounded after multiple incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires—notably one on a parked Japan Airlines jet in Boston and another mid-air emergency in Japan. These safety issues prompted the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to suspend operations until Boeing redesigned the battery systems.

More recently, in 2024, Boeing faced renewed scrutiny after whistleblower Sam Salehpour, a company engineer, testified before the US Senate regarding alleged structural issues in the Dreamliner’s fuselage. He claimed that gaps in assembly could cause premature wear and potential structural failure. The FAA has launched an investigation, which is ongoing.

In March 2025, a Boeing 787-9 operated by LATAM Airlines suffered a sudden mid-air altitude drop, injuring 50 passengers. A malfunctioning cockpit seat was cited as the cause.

Other reported issues with the Dreamliner have included engine icing, generator failures, electrical faults, and fuel leaks, raising questions about its long-term reliability.

According to Flightradar24, the aircraft involved in Thursday’s crash was delivered to Air India in January 2014 and made its first flight in 2013.

The cause of the Ahmedabad crash is under investigation by Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The central government has pledged full support for ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Casualty figures are yet to be officially confirmed.