Air India’s Flight Cancellations — A Graphical Analysis with Key Insights

In the wake of the tragic accident in Ahmedabad where an AIR India flight to London crashed moments after takeoff, AIR India’s flight cancellation has surged soon after the Ahmedabad tragedy. 

Comparing AIR India’s flight cancellation data of previous years as made available by DGCA (Director General of Civil Aviation) brings some stunning observations. Moreover, when we compare those with the rate of cancellations then it becomes even clearer that the cancellation rate has upped stunningly.

YEAR 2022: TECHNICAL ISSUE was the major factor of cancellations

In 2022, cancellation due to TECHNICAL ISSUES dominate. Out of total 379 cancellations, technical issues contributed to 122. Commercial issues became second with contributing to 100 cancellations and operational issues to only 55. Weather related issues caused 55 cancellations. 

Year 2023: TECHNICAL ISSUES & WEATHER caused nearly equal cancellations

Year 2023 also witnessed TECHNICAL ISSUES as the major reason of cancellation. Out of 488 total cancellations, technical issues contributed to 181, while operational issues had a share of 89 and commercial issues of 27. The weather issues led to 168 cancellations, the second highest.  

Year 2024: OPERATIONAL ISSUES became the major cause of Cancellations

 
In 2024, the trend became drastically changed. The highest cancellation last year was due to operational issues with 645 cancellations out of total 1067. Technical issues caused 107 cancellations while weather related issues were responsible for 272 cancellations. 

Overall Cancellations of AIR India flights during 2022, 2023, 2024. 

Year 2025: Surges Of Cancellations

•    The dreamliner crashed on June 12. 
•    The cancellations after it is as follows

•    Total cancellations: At least 83 wide-body flights. Of these, 66 were Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, the variety that crashed in Ahmedabad.     
•    Moreover, 6 domestic flights are confirmed canceled from June 12–21 

So, 89 cancellations in total in 10 days post the Ahmedabad crash.

The Questions:

The cancellation patterns raise some questions. First, why the operational issues came to dominate the cancellations during 2024 all of a sudden? The operational issues pertain to issues of unavailability of crews, issue with the air traffic controller, security issues as well as mechanical failure. 

Second, why the cancellation rate has swelled post the Ahmedabad crash? Did AIR India become more cautious in the aftermath of the tragedy? Then the concomitant question that arises is—was AIR India reluctant even after its cancellation increased steadily over the years?

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