KKN Gurugram Desk | Following the Ahmedabad flight scare, aviation safety has become a major national concern. In a surprising move, Air India has suspended two major flights between Lucknow and Delhi for 25 days without a clear explanation. Over 13 flights linked to Lucknow have been abruptly canceled in recent days, raising questions about operational stability and passenger safety.

Aviation Safety Under Spotlight After Ahmedabad Incident

The recent Ahmedabad flight incident has intensified the national conversation around air travel safety. Concerns are now escalating not just among travelers, but also within the aviation sector and regulatory bodies.

In this tense climate, Air India has made a sudden move to cancel two of its key Lucknow-Delhi flights for an extended period of 25 days, beginning June 21 to July 15, 2025. While the airline has refrained from citing specific reasons, industry insiders believe operational audits and safety reviews could be the underlying cause.

Flight Cancellations in Lucknow: Over 13 Flights Affected

Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is witnessing frequent flight cancellations, especially from Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express.

 Cancelled Flights at a Glance:

• Over 13 Air India group flights linked to Lucknow canceled since the Ahmedabad incident

• At least 4 flights operated by Air India Express among them

• On Saturday alone, 3 Air India flights were abruptly pulled from the schedule

Affected passengers are being provided with full refunds or offered options to reschedule their journey, as per airline sources.

Which Flights Are Cancelled and Why?

According to internal airport sources, the two suspended flights are:

• Flight AI 2460: Delhi to Lucknow (Scheduled arrival: 10:20 PM)

• Flight AI 2461: Lucknow to Delhi (Scheduled departure: 10:50 PM)

Both flights have been temporarily removed from operation between June 21 and July 15, citing “operational reasons.” However, no detailed explanation has been made public by Air India.

Deep-Dive Audit on All Aircraft Underway

A high-ranking source within Air India confirmed that the airline is conducting a comprehensive safety inspection of all aircraft under its fleet.

Air India operates through two wings:

• Air India (Main): 194 aircraft

• Air India Express: 103 aircraft
   Total fleet under inspection: 297 aircraft

The domestic fleet mainly comprises:

• Airbus A319

• Airbus A320 & A320neo

• Airbus A321 & A321neo

These aircraft are undergoing rigorous safety and technical evaluations, potentially affecting scheduling and flight frequencies temporarily.

DGCA Demands Report on Mid-Air Turbulence Incident

Another incident has further fueled concerns around aviation safety.

Last week, an IndiGo flight (6E 6811) from Goa to Lucknow experienced a dangerous mid-air drop shortly after takeoff. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially sought a report from the airline to investigate the circumstances.

The airline attributed the sudden plunge to unexpected turbulence, but passengers onboard reported panic and fear during the flight.

A female passenger, Alhamra Khan, later posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“As the flight took off from Goa, it suddenly dipped mid-air. It was terrifying. Everyone on board was in shock.”

The flight landed in Lucknow at 6:15 PM as scheduled, but DGCA’s involvement signals heightened regulatory oversight in response to such safety breaches.

Passenger Confidence at Stake Amid Flight Disruptions

These developments have sparked anxiety among frequent flyers and the general public alike. The unexplained cancellations, coupled with mid-air incidents, are leading many to question the current operational standards and maintenance protocols followed by domestic airlines.

Travelers planning journeys in July are now being advised to:

• Double-check flight status daily

• Stay in touch with airlines for last-minute notifications

• Consider refundable fare options due to uncertainty

Industry Experts Call for Transparency and Reform

Aviation experts are calling for:

• Clear communication from airlines regarding cancellations

• Real-time public updates from DGCA on ongoing inspections

• Passenger assurance strategies including improved customer service and refunds

• Transparency in reporting operational lapses and aircraft health checks

This moment is a stress test for Indian aviation’s infrastructure and crisis communication capabilities.