A Delhi-bound Air India flight from Vienna was diverted to Dubai following malfunctions to its autopilot and flight controls last Thursday, October 9.
Flight 154
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner set off from Vienna at 9 pm local time and was due to arrive in New Delhi eight hours later. However, the journey was cut short as the pilots veered towards Dubai.
At 2:45 am, the autopilot system on the Dreamliner was disconnected, causing malfunctions to key systems in the aircraft:
- GBAS Landing System (GLS)
- Flight Directors (FDs)
- Auto Throttle
- Flight Control System
Following this, the flight crew was forced to manually operate the plane for the remainder of the journey until it landed in Dubai.
According to an Air India spokesperson:
AI154 operating from Vienna to New Delhi on October 9 was diverted to Dubai due to a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at Dubai and underwent necessary checks […] All passnegers were kept informed of the delay, provided refreshments, and the flight departed at 08:45 IST […] We regret the inconvenience caused due to the unforseen delay. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew remains top priority.
After three and a half hours on the ground, the same aircraft departed Dubai and touched down in New Delhi at 12:19 IST.
President of the Federation of Indian Pilots, CS Randhawa, said:
We compliment the skill of the pilots to fly the aircraft at night safely to Dubai with limited automation/systems.
A Long List of Incidents
This diversion adds to a list of issues Air India has had this summer after a flight veered off the runway in Mumbai in July, and the tragic crash that marked a fatal incident killing 260 people, involving yet another Boeing 787 Dreamliner in early June.
Once again, we urge those impacted by the tragedy to seek assistance. Those in India can reach support through +91 (11) 2419 2100, whilst people in the United Kingdom can call +44 (0) 20 7008 5000.
October 4 saw Air India flight AI117 land safely after an emergency system was triggered on its approach to Birmingham Airport from Amritsar. According to the airline, the ram turbine (RAT) on board the Boeing 787 was deployed, which could be an indicator of engine failure.
The aircraft undertook ground checks and had its onward journey cancelled, with alternative arrangements made to accommodate guests.
These repeated malfunctions across Air India’s fleet, especially the 787s, put a spotlight on the airline and raise concerns as to the safety of the Boeing Dreamliner. Should we be concerned? Let us know in the comments below.
