NEW DELHI: Air India saw a significant rise in technical incidents in January, including engine oil and fuel leaks, reaching the highest level in at least 14 months, according to an internal company report.
The increase underscores ongoing challenges as the airline continues its fleet modernization and international expansion efforts.
Following last year’s fatal crash that claimed 260 lives, India’s aviation regulator has increased scrutiny on Air India, citing multiple safety concerns.
According to Reuters, in December 2025, the airline acknowledged the need for urgent improvements in operational discipline, communication, and compliance culture.
The report submitted to the Indian government showed that Air India recorded 1.09 technical incidents per 1,000 flights in January, up sharply from 0.26 in December 2024.
During the month, the airline operated over 17,500 domestic and international flights and logged 23 technical issues, with 21 formally investigated.
The incidents included engine stall warnings, hydraulic and flight control issues, and oil and fuel leaks across both Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
Notable cases included a Dubai-Mumbai flight arriving with low engine oil and a Delhi-Dubai flight returning shortly after takeoff due to lack of water in lavatories and galleys.
Air India said it is implementing a comprehensive program to enhance technical reliability, including increasing its inventory of critical spare parts by more than 30%, investing in engineering infrastructure, and strengthening training and procedural oversight.
Preventive measures include regular inspections of Airbus A320 aircraft, replacement of hydraulic hoses on Boeing 777s, and air-conditioning leak checks.
Operational incidents such as rejected takeoffs, incorrect altitude, and improper takeoff settings were reported at 0.29 per 1,000 flights in January, more than double December’s figure, though the airline noted a broader decline in such events over time.
Owned by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, Air India is working to restore its international reputation while managing supply chain delays affecting new aircraft and cabin retrofits. Geopolitical issues, such as Pakistan’s airspace closure, have also disrupted routes and revenue.
The Indian civil aviation ministry reported that 82.5% of Air India’s 166 aircraft inspected since January 2025 had recurring technical defects, compared to 36.5% for market leader IndiGo.
Air India has also faced international scrutiny. The UK Civil Aviation Authority requested clarification after a Boeing Dreamliner departed London with a potentially faulty fuel switch, which was later corrected by replacing the throttle control module.
The airline emphasized that pilots are reminded to follow safety protocols and that steps are being taken to reduce technical incidents and enhance reliability across the fleet.
