Air India’s AI2491 flight from Mumbai to Lucknow on June 17 was cancelled due to operational issues and a crew time restriction triggered by earlier diversions amid heavy rain. The flight was impacted by ripple effects from the ongoing Air India crash investigation.
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A regular Air India service, AI2491, scheduled from Mumbai to Lucknow on June 17, was cancelled due to operational reasons and crew hours limitations, the airline announced on June 18. The disruption follows a series of flight diversions caused by heavy rain at Delhi airport.
Rain-induced delays forced several aircraft, including the one operating AI2491, to divert or hold. As a result, the flight crew reached the maximum allowable regulatory duty hours. With no replacement crew available promptly—also impacted by weather conditions—Air India had no choice but to cancel the flight.
This cancellation comes amid a broader backdrop of flight disruptions and heightened regulatory scrutiny following the tragic June 12 crash of another Air India Boeing 787. Since then, more than 80 flights have been cancelled, including multiple international services. While many were affected by safety checks and post-crash diversions, others, like AI2491, faced operational and crew-related constraints.
Air India said it regrets the inconvenience and assured passengers of hotel accommodation, full refunds, or complimentary rescheduling. The airline is working to rebook affected travellers on the next available flights to Lucknow.
Simultaneously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has summoned Air India and its low-cost arm, Air India Express, to discuss operational robustness in light of the crash in Ahmedabad. The regulator emphasized the importance of adequate coordination between flight operations, engineering, and ground handling, and demanded prompt availability of replacement crews and spares to prevent further disruptions.
Air India’s spokesperson added that the airline is fully cooperating with the DGCA and apologizes to passengers for the inconvenience caused.
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Flight AI2491 (Mumbai→Lucknow) cancelled on June 17
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Cause: Crew duty limit reached due to delayed/diverted flights amid rain
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Air India response: Passengers offered refunds, rescheduling, and hotels
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Context: Part of broader disruptions post-June 12 crash and increased DGCA oversight
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Regulator action: DGCA summons airline officials to address coordination and safety
