Ahmedabad, June 17, 2025:
Air India has cancelled its scheduled flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, designated as AI-159, citing unavailability of aircraft caused by airspace restrictions and extended turnaround procedures. The announcement comes just days after the airline resumed the route under a new code following the tragic June 12 crash of flight AI-171, which claimed 270 lives.
The Tata Group-owned carrier clarified that the cancellation on Tuesday, June 17, was not due to a technical fault, but rather a result of increased precautionary checks and airspace closures—particularly Iran’s no-fly zone amid its ongoing conflict with Israel. These factors have created major operational constraints, affecting aircraft scheduling across long-haul routes.
AI-159 Cancelled Post-Resumption of Route After AI-171 Tragedy
Flight AI-159 was introduced as a replacement code for the earlier Ahmedabad–London route AI-171, which tragically crashed on June 12, killing 241 passengers and crew onboard, along with 29 individuals on the ground, after the aircraft struck a medical complex in Ahmedabad moments after takeoff. It marked the worst aviation disaster in India in recent years and involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
According to Air India, the route had resumed on Monday, June 16, following a five-day suspension. The inaugural flight under the new code departed at 4:10 PM, three hours behind schedule, and landed at London Gatwick at 9:45 PM local time.
However, the second scheduled departure—initially slated for 1:10 PM on June 17—was first delayed to 3 PM, then eventually cancelled. The airline cited aircraft unavailability due to ripple effects from diverted routes and extended safety checks.
Airline Responds with Passenger Assistance and Compensation
An official Air India spokesperson addressed the disruption, stating:
“Flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick (London) has been cancelled due to the unavailability of the aircraft, resulting from airspace restrictions and additional precautionary checks, leading to longer-than-usual turnaround times—not due to any technical snag as speculated.”
Air India reassured affected passengers that alternative travel arrangements were being coordinated. Those unable to travel were offered full refunds or the option of complimentary rescheduling. Additionally, the airline provided hotel accommodations and assistance at the airport to minimize inconvenience.
Airspace Curbs Compounding Operational Challenges
The disruption has been further intensified by airspace restrictions across the Middle East, particularly Iran’s closure of its air corridor, which is commonly used for flights between India and Europe. Airlines across the region, including Air India, have been forced to reroute long-haul flights, leading to longer flying times, delayed returns, and in some cases, grounding of aircraft awaiting safe routing clearance.
The AI-159 aircraft, likely part of the Boeing Dreamliner fleet, was impacted by these constraints, contributing to the inability to dispatch the flight as scheduled.
Additionally, the return flight AI-170 from London to Amritsar, scheduled for June 17, was also cancelled as a consequence of the cascading disruptions in aircraft scheduling.
Passenger Concerns and Airport Updates
The cancellation of AI-159 has added anxiety among passengers still reeling from the June 12 tragedy. Many have expressed concern about flight reliability and safety, despite the airline’s assurance that additional precautions are being taken as a measure of enhanced diligence.
An official at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) confirmed that the first successful flight under code AI-159 took off Monday, signaling the route’s resumption. However, due to turnaround delays, subsequent operations remain unpredictable.
“The return flight AI-160 landed at Ahmedabad from Gatwick on Tuesday afternoon without incident,” the airport official confirmed.
AI-171 Crash: The Aftermath
The June 12 crash remains under intensive investigation by Indian aviation authorities, with support from Boeing and global aviation regulators. Early reports suggest potential failure in the aircraft’s flight control system, though black box data is still being analyzed.
The flight’s abrupt plunge into the city shortly after takeoff at 1:39 PM local time drew international attention and triggered the temporary grounding of similar aircraft models in India for emergency inspection. One passenger miraculously survived, making headlines as the sole survivor in what has been described as one of the most catastrophic aviation events in India.
Moving Forward
Air India’s effort to restore the Ahmedabad–London route underscores its commitment to resuming normalcy, though operational challenges remain high. The airline continues to monitor geopolitical developments, route safety, and aircraft availability in real time.
As a precaution, Air India has stated it will maintain flexible scheduling, and encourages passengers to check flight status regularly and make use of official customer support channels.
Conclusion
The cancellation of flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick underscores the ongoing turbulence in international aviation, shaped by geopolitical instability, airspace restrictions, and post-incident safety protocols. Air India’s transparency and swift passenger support reflect its commitment to restoring trust and operational continuity amid adversity.
As India’s flagship carrier navigates these challenges, passengers are urged to stay informed, flexible, and reassured that safety remains the airline’s top priority.Ahmedabad, June 17, 2025:
Air India has cancelled its scheduled flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, designated as AI-159, citing unavailability of aircraft caused by airspace restrictions and extended turnaround procedures. The announcement comes just days after the airline resumed the route under a new code following the tragic June 12 crash of flight AI-171, which claimed 270 lives.
The Tata Group-owned carrier clarified that the cancellation on Tuesday, June 17, was not due to a technical fault, but rather a result of increased precautionary checks and airspace closures—particularly Iran’s no-fly zone amid its ongoing conflict with Israel. These factors have created major operational constraints, affecting aircraft scheduling across long-haul routes.
AI-159 Cancelled Post-Resumption of Route After AI-171 Tragedy
Flight AI-159 was introduced as a replacement code for the earlier Ahmedabad–London route AI-171, which tragically crashed on June 12, killing 241 passengers and crew onboard, along with 29 individuals on the ground, after the aircraft struck a medical complex in Ahmedabad moments after takeoff. It marked the worst aviation disaster in India in recent years and involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
According to Air India, the route had resumed on Monday, June 16, following a five-day suspension. The inaugural flight under the new code departed at 4:10 PM, three hours behind schedule, and landed at London Gatwick at 9:45 PM local time.
However, the second scheduled departure—initially slated for 1:10 PM on June 17—was first delayed to 3 PM, then eventually cancelled. The airline cited aircraft unavailability due to ripple effects from diverted routes and extended safety checks.
Airline Responds with Passenger Assistance and Compensation
An official Air India spokesperson addressed the disruption, stating:
“Flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick (London) has been cancelled due to the unavailability of the aircraft, resulting from airspace restrictions and additional precautionary checks, leading to longer-than-usual turnaround times—not due to any technical snag as speculated.”
Air India reassured affected passengers that alternative travel arrangements were being coordinated. Those unable to travel were offered full refunds or the option of complimentary rescheduling. Additionally, the airline provided hotel accommodations and assistance at the airport to minimize inconvenience.
Airspace Curbs Compounding Operational Challenges
The disruption has been further intensified by airspace restrictions across the Middle East, particularly Iran’s closure of its air corridor, which is commonly used for flights between India and Europe. Airlines across the region, including Air India, have been forced to reroute long-haul flights, leading to longer flying times, delayed returns, and in some cases, grounding of aircraft awaiting safe routing clearance.
The AI-159 aircraft, likely part of the Boeing Dreamliner fleet, was impacted by these constraints, contributing to the inability to dispatch the flight as scheduled.
Additionally, the return flight AI-170 from London to Amritsar, scheduled for June 17, was also cancelled as a consequence of the cascading disruptions in aircraft scheduling.
Passenger Concerns and Airport Updates
The cancellation of AI-159 has added anxiety among passengers still reeling from the June 12 tragedy. Many have expressed concern about flight reliability and safety, despite the airline’s assurance that additional precautions are being taken as a measure of enhanced diligence.
An official at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) confirmed that the first successful flight under code AI-159 took off Monday, signaling the route’s resumption. However, due to turnaround delays, subsequent operations remain unpredictable.
“The return flight AI-160 landed at Ahmedabad from Gatwick on Tuesday afternoon without incident,” the airport official confirmed.
AI-171 Crash: The Aftermath
The June 12 crash remains under intensive investigation by Indian aviation authorities, with support from Boeing and global aviation regulators. Early reports suggest potential failure in the aircraft’s flight control system, though black box data is still being analyzed.
The flight’s abrupt plunge into the city shortly after takeoff at 1:39 PM local time drew international attention and triggered the temporary grounding of similar aircraft models in India for emergency inspection. One passenger miraculously survived, making headlines as the sole survivor in what has been described as one of the most catastrophic aviation events in India.
Moving Forward
Air India’s effort to restore the Ahmedabad–London route underscores its commitment to resuming normalcy, though operational challenges remain high. The airline continues to monitor geopolitical developments, route safety, and aircraft availability in real time.
As a precaution, Air India has stated it will maintain flexible scheduling, and encourages passengers to check flight status regularly and make use of official customer support channels.
Conclusion
The cancellation of flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick underscores the ongoing turbulence in international aviation, shaped by geopolitical instability, airspace restrictions, and post-incident safety protocols. Air India’s transparency and swift passenger support reflect its commitment to restoring trust and operational continuity amid adversity.
As India’s flagship carrier navigates these challenges, passengers are urged to stay informed, flexible, and reassured that safety remains the airline’s top priority.
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