An Air India Boeing 777 (Flight AI‑187) took off from Delhi’s IGI Airport at 2:56 AM IST on June 14, 2025, bound for Vienna. Shortly after departure, the aircraft suddenly dropped about 900 feet in altitude, activating critical cockpit warnings—namely a stall warning
(stick shaker) and multiple “Don’t sink” alerts from the Ground Proximity Warning System. Despite the alarming drop, the pilots managed to recover the aircraft and proceeded to Vienna, landing safely after a roughly nine‑hour flight
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Consequences and Investigation
Pilot grounding: Both pilots have been taken off flying duties pending the investigation
DGCA probe launched: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is investigating factors such as potential maintenance issues, pilot response, and the severe weather conditions present during takeoff .
Air India safety under scrutiny: The incident occurred just 38 hours after the fatal AI‑171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which killed 260 people. This has intensified regulatory and public attention on Air India’s safety protocols
What This Means for Travelers
While this incident didn’t result in any injuries or a crash, it raises red flags about possible systemic vulnerabilities—be it technical maintenance, crew training, or weather readiness
The DGCA probe could uncover safety lapses and may lead to stricter oversight or operational reviews for wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 and 787.
If you have upcoming flights with Air India—especially long-haul routes–it’s a good idea to stay updated on any safety advisories or delays issued by the airline or DGCA
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Bottom Line
The Delhi–Vienna AI 187 incident was a serious but contained safety scare. Despite a dramatic drop in altitude and triggers of critical warnings, the crew safely flew to Vienna. However, in light of the recent Ahmedabad
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tragedy, this incident has prompted a thorough investigation by the DGCA. The findings could significantly impact Air India’s safety procedures and regulatory monitoring.
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