Planning a long-haul trip? You might wonder if the Boeing 787 is safe to fly after a tragic Air India crash earlier this month. The incident has travelers questioning the safety and reliability of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for upcoming vacations and business trips.
The Air India Flight 171 Incident
Photo by Bornil Amin on Unsplash
On June 12, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick. The disaster claimed at least 270 lives. Just days later, another Air India 787 had to turn back on a Hong Kong to New Delhi route due to technical problems.
These back-to-back incidents have scrutinized the Dreamliner’s safety record. For travelers, this raises immediate concerns about booking flights on this popular wide-body aircraft used for many international routes.
Will Your Flight Be Affected?
The good news for travelers is that U.S. regulators haven’t grounded Boeing 787s yet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is still investigating. With 1,148 Boeing 787s flying worldwide, a grounding would cancel thousands of flights and strand countless passengers.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says officials need more information before making any decisions. “They have to get on the ground and take a look,” he told Reuters.
Air India has already canceled five 787 flights since the crash. The airline conducted safety checks but decided to take extra precautions anyway. This shows how seriously carriers are treating the situation.
Expect possible schedule changes for travelers with Air India bookings as the airline adjusts its 787 operations.
Photo by pablorebo1984 from Getty Images
Which Airlines Fly Boeing 787s?
Many major carriers rely heavily on Dreamliners for international routes. United Airlines operates 78 of these aircraft and recently ordered 50 more. American Airlines also uses 787s for long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, and South America.
If you’re booking with these airlines or others that operate 787s, check your aircraft type when making reservations. Most booking sites show the plane model during the selection process.
Boeing's Recent Safety Issues
This isn’t Boeing’s first safety challenge. The company faced major problems with its 737 Max aircraft, which was grounded worldwide after two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing also dealt with several incidents in 2024, including a door panel that flew off during a flight.
These ongoing issues have made many travelers more cautious about flying on Boeing aircraft.
If you have concerns about flying on Boeing 787, here are your options:
- Check your aircraft type before booking. Most travel sites show the plane model.
- Consider alternative routes that don’t use 787s if you’re worried.
- Monitor official updates at faa.gov for any regulatory changes.
- Contact your airline if you want to change existing bookings due to safety concerns.
- Review travel insurance policies that might cover flight changes due to safety issues.
What Happens Next?
Aviation investigators are working to determine what caused the Air India crash. They need to determine whether this was an isolated incident or if there’s a broader problem requiring a Boeing aircraft safety review.
Until then, the 787 Dreamliner remains in service, but travelers should stay informed as the investigation continues. Check with your airline about aircraft changes and consider your comfort level when booking future flights.
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*Banner photo by TommyIX from Getty Images Signature
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