In yet another alarming incident for Air India, a Boeing 777 aircraft operating as AI 187 from Delhi to Vienna experienced multiple serious inflight safety warnings shortly after takeoff on June 14, just 38 hours after a separate crash incident involving flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad.

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Flight AI 187 Faced Stick Shaker and GPWS Alerts Flight Landed Safely but Investigation Underway Flight Data Recorder Reveals Deeper Issues DGCA Steps Up Oversight Following Back-to-Back Incidents What’s Next for Air India?

The flight, carrying passengers on a long-haul journey to Austria, flew through severe thunderstorm conditions over Delhi, triggering a series of critical inflight warnings, including a stall alert and multiple “don’t sink” cautions from the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). The aircraft, registered VT-ALJ, lost approximately 900 feet in altitude during climb-out, officials confirmed.

Flight AI 187 Faced Stick Shaker and GPWS Alerts

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft’s onboard systems activated a “stick shaker” alert—a serious safety warning that shakes the pilot controls violently to warn of an impending aerodynamic stall. This was accompanied by GPWS cautions that indicate a dangerous loss of altitude, typically used to prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents.

“Stall warning came once and GPWS caution came twice… there was an altitude loss of around 900 feet during climb,” officials revealed.

Flight Landed Safely but Investigation Underway

Despite the close call, the flight proceeded and landed safely in Vienna after 9 hours and 8 minutes. However, the incident has triggered a full-scale investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Both pilots have been removed from flying duty, and the airline’s Head of Safety has been summoned for questioning.

Flight Data Recorder Reveals Deeper Issues

Interestingly, the initial flight report filed by the cockpit crew downplayed the seriousness of the situation, mentioning only a “stick shaker due to turbulence”. However, Flight Data Recorder (FDR) analysis uncovered multiple critical warnings not included in the crew’s initial account.

The GPWS “don’t sink” caution and stall warnings were not reported in the original submission, indicating a potential lapse in disclosure or awareness.

DGCA Steps Up Oversight Following Back-to-Back Incidents

This marks the second major safety incident involving Air India in less than two days, intensifying concerns about the airline’s safety protocols and operational practices. On June 12, flight AI 171 suffered a serious crash in Ahmedabad, prompting a separate investigation.

The DGCA is now expected to enhance oversight and audit procedures for Air India, especially concerning flight safety, pilot training, and incident reporting accuracy.

What’s Next for Air India?

This incident has added to the growing scrutiny of Air India’s safety standards, particularly after its privatisation and ongoing transformation under the Tata Group. With international routes, long-haul operations, and a rapidly expanding fleet, Air India must now demonstrate enhanced safety compliance to avoid long-term reputational damage.