Delhi: During a press conference in Delhi, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasised that passenger safety is foremost. That is why Delhi has started an investigation of all Boeing 787 aircraft.

Emergency action after deadly tragedy:

The incident with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport turned into the deadliest aviation disaster in a decade. The aircraft lost altitude seconds after take-off and crashed into buildings. Out of 242 passengers and crew members, only one survived.

Rafiq Abdul Hafiz Memon said, “We have lost our children. We are not understanding anything.” As of now, 270 bodies have been recovered. Many victims remain unidentified due to severe burns.

Nationwide checks on Boeing 787s:

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered Air India to conduct extensive maintenance checks on all Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft powered by GEnx engines. These checks include evaluations of takeoff parameters, electronic engine controls, and fuel systems.

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India’s aviation minister added, “We have also given the order to do the extended surveillance of the 787 planes. There are 34 in our Indian fleet.”

Air India operates 33 Boeing 787 aircraft, and IndiGo owns one. Eight aircraft have already been inspected. At the same time, no aircraft has been grounded yet. Officials have hinted that grounding remains a possibility if risks are detected.

Investigating the causes:

Authorities are investigating the incident. Investigators are analysing the aircraft’s engine thrust, flap movement, and the unusual failure of the landing gear to retract during takeoff. Forensic teams are still searching for the second black box to determine what caused the Dreamliner to lose altitude so rapidly.

Naidu said, “The government will look at all possible theories of what led to the crash.” Experts are particularly focused on the engine performance and autopilot systems, alongside pilot error or mechanical failure.

Families in anguish:

Dozens of families have been waiting outside the hospital. The process of identifying victims has proven complex and emotionally exhausting. A father waiting to claim the body of his son, Harshad Patel, said, “The authorities are trying to help, but our patience is running out.”

Medical teams are working around the clock. Dr. Dhaval Gameti of the Junior Doctors Association at B.J. Medical College confirmed that efforts to match victims’ identities using dental records are in full swing.

Crisis clouds Air India’s future:

Air India was trying to restore its reputation under Tata Group’s leadership. The Tata Group took over the airline in 2022. It aimed to modernise its ageing fleet and improve service standards. The incident has not only shaken public trust but also raised critical questions about aircraft maintenance and oversight in India’s growing aviation sector. On Friday, the Tata Group’s chairman stated, “We want to understand what happened, but we don’t know right now.”