Air India is facing increasing safety concerns as technical incidents like engine oil and fuel leaks hit a 14 month high in January. According to company documents the airline recorded 1.09 technical incidents per 1,000 flights quadruple the level seen in December 2024. The incidents affected both domestic and international flights including engine stall warnings flight control issues and hydraulic problems. Notably a Dubai Mumbai flight landed with low engine oil while a Delhi Dubai flight had to turn back shortly after takeoff due to equipment issues. These problems highlight ongoing challenges for Air India which is striving to revamp its operations following a deadly crash last year that killed 260 people. Authorities say 82.5% of the airline’s fleet has reported recurring technical defects since January 2025 far above the 36.5% reported for competitor IndiGo. To address the issues Air India has introduced periodic inspections replaced hydraulic hoses on Boeing 777s and implemented targeted engineering measures to improve reliability and reduce incidents. Supply chain delays have also slowed fleet upgrades and retrofits adding to operational strain. The airline’s safety record has drawn international scrutiny including from the UK Civil Aviation Authority which questioned a Dreamliner flight operating with a potentially faulty fuel switch. As Air India continues to expand its fleet and rebuild its reputation authorities stress that sustained focus on safety protocols maintenance and compliance culture will be essential to prevent future technical failures.
