Passengers aboard an Air India flight heading to London experienced a tense moment on Thursday as the aircraft aborted takeoff at the last minute due to a suspected technical issue. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI2017, had just begun its takeoff roll from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport when the cockpit crew made the call to halt and return the plane to the terminal bay.
According to an official airline statement, the flight crew detected an abnormal reading and, following standard safety procedures, discontinued the takeoff run. The aircraft was returned to the parking bay for precautionary inspections. Ground engineers were immediately deployed to assess the issue and determine whether the plane was safe to fly.
While no passengers were reported injured, the unexpected delay caused understandable concern. Airport staff and airline crew were seen actively coordinating assistance for affected travellers. Air India has since confirmed that a replacement aircraft is being arranged and every effort is being made to ensure the passengers reach their destination with minimal further disruption.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern that has raised concerns among aviation observers and flyers alike. Just last week, another Air India flight from Delhi to Kolkata had to abort takeoff after pilots noticed a technical snag as the plane accelerated down the runway. That flight, AI2403, had reached a speed of 155 kilometres per hour before the crew slammed the brakes and brought it safely to a halt. The flight was later rescheduled for departure the same evening after safety inspections were completed.
These back-to-back incidents come amid heightened scrutiny of air safety in India. According to an official statement made in the Lok Sabha, the country has witnessed eight air-related accidents in 2025 alone, resulting in the tragic loss of 274 lives. This includes the devastating Air India crash on June 12 that killed 260 people. The remaining casualties came from three trainee aircraft incidents and four helicopter crashes. Investigations into all these accidents are currently underway, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau tasked with determining the root causes.
Despite the recent concerns, aviation experts underline that aborting takeoff is not an uncommon safety measure and is often a sign of the system working as intended. Aircraft crews are trained to respond quickly to any anomalies, and standard procedures are in place to prevent risks from escalating. While it can be unsettling for passengers, such decisions are based on strict safety protocols and are essential for preventing far worse outcomes.
Still, the frequency of these disruptions has led many to question whether enough is being done in terms of regular aircraft maintenance and crew readiness. With air travel steadily rising post-pandemic, airlines are under renewed pressure to meet safety expectations while handling increased operational demands.
Air India has not commented on whether these incidents are part of a larger maintenance concern or isolated occurrences. However, it has assured passengers that safety remains its top priority and that every incident is being reviewed in accordance with international aviation standards.
For now, passengers of AI2017 have been provided refreshments and alternative travel arrangements are in motion. The airline is in touch with affected customers and has promised regular updates regarding the revised flight schedule.
As air safety remains a growing concern for both airlines and passengers, it is clear that timely responses, transparency, and robust systems are more important than ever.
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