Ahmedabad: Air India announced the cancellation of its Ahmedabad to London Gatwick flight (AI159) scheduled for Tuesday, citing aircraft unavailability caused by airspace restrictions and extended precautionary checks. The airline clarified that the decision was not due to any technical malfunction, countering earlier claims to that effect.
In an official statement, Air India said:
“Flight AI159 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick has been cancelled today due to the unavailability of the aircraft, resulting from airspace restrictions and additional precautionary checks, which led to longer turnaround times. The cancellation is not due to any technical snag as reported by some sources.”
To assist affected passengers, the airline stated that hotel accommodations have been arranged, and travelers are being offered either full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options. Additionally, the return flight—AI170 from Gatwick to Amritsar—scheduled for June 17 has also been cancelled.
The disruption comes amid ongoing regional airspace restrictions due to tensions linked to the Iran-Israel conflict, which have impacted several international flight paths.
Meanwhile, Air India continues to support the ongoing investigation into the tragic crash of its London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that occurred on June 12, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft crashed into a hostel complex, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Remarkably, one passenger, Vishwas Kumar, survived the crash.
GujaratHome Minister Harsh Sanghavi provided an update on the identification process, stating, “As of 12 pm today, DNA samples of 144 victims have been successfully matched.”
Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi confirmed that four students from BJ Medical College were among the deceased. “The death toll of BJ Medical College students stands at four. It has not increased,” he told the media.
