Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Indian Aviation Looks to 2026 for AI171 Answers After a Year of Crashes and Disruptions

Regulatory scrutiny of IndiGo intensifies following mass cancellations.

Overview

  • The final AI171 investigation is expected in 2026, after a preliminary AAIB report found fuel to both Boeing 787 engines was cut within about one second following takeoff from Ahmedabad, an accident that killed 260 people.
  • Following widespread cancellations tied to IndiGo’s rollout of new flight duty time rules, the DGCA cut the carrier’s winter schedule by 10% and issued show-cause notices to CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras.
  • A DGCA-appointed panel examining the IndiGo disruptions has submitted its report, with further regulatory steps awaited.
  • System-wide strains included an air traffic control systems problem in early November at Delhi that delayed more than 800 flights and reported GPS interference at multiple major airports.
  • Operational fixes and expansion continued as airlines updated software on 323 A320-family jets, Navi Mumbai International Airport opened on December 25, Noida airport is slated to start flights in January 2026, and rerouting due to Pakistan airspace closure increased costs.