Honestly, if you're looking at booking a flight to Delhi or San Francisco, you’ve probably seen the mixed bag of news about Air India. One day it’s a record-breaking order for 470 new jets, and the next, it’s a headline about a technical glitch or a safety audit. So, what is the Air India safety rating actually telling us right now?
It's complicated. You can't just look at a single number and call it a day.
As of early 2026, the landscape for the "Maharajah" has shifted. The airline is currently navigating a massive transformation under the Tata Group, but it hasn't been a smooth flight. While the vision is to become a world-class carrier, recent events have kept the safety scores in a bit of a tug-of-war.
The Numbers: What the Ratings Say Right Now
If you check the major watchdogs, the scores might surprise you. AirlineRatings.com currently gives Air India a 3/7 safety rating. That’s a tough pill to swallow for an airline trying to compete with the likes of Emirates or Singapore Airlines. For context, most top-tier global carriers sit at a 6 or 7. So, why the low score?
- The Ahmedabad Tragedy: The biggest hit to the rating came from the devastating crash of flight AI171 in June 2025. A Boeing 787-8 went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Preliminary reports suggested a "controlled flight into terrain" (CFIT) following engine issues where fuel switches were reportedly cut off in the cockpit.
- Operational Lapses: Just recently, in late 2025, Air India admitted that an Airbus A320 flew eight passenger flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). Basically, it flew without its "fitness permit."
- Audit Hits: While Air India passes the mandatory IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), these recent operational blunders have led to star deductions in the "incidents" and "compliance" categories.
It’s a weird contrast. You've got an airline buying the most advanced planes in the world, yet struggling with basic paperwork and process discipline.
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Why Air India Safety Rating Still Matters for Travelers
You might think, "I've flown them ten times and never had an issue." And that’s usually true. Statistically, flying remains incredibly safe. But the Air India safety rating is a pulse check on the "behind-the-scenes" stuff—the maintenance culture, pilot training, and management oversight.
The Tata Group isn't sitting still, though. They’ve acknowledged that the "backseat driving" culture and the "compliance gaps" need a total overhaul. They are currently spending $400 million just on a "Reliability Enhancement Programme."
The Fleet Modernization Push
Most of the safety concerns in recent years stemmed from the "legacy" fleet—older planes that were neglected during the years of government ownership.
- Narrowbody Success: By late 2025, Air India finished retrofitting all 27 of its legacy A320neo aircraft. These now have fresh interiors and updated technical systems.
- Widebody Overhaul: The Boeing 787-8s (the ones used for long international hauls) are currently being sent to California for "D-checks" and avionics upgrades.
- New Arrivals: The A350s are finally entering the fleet in bulk. These are brand-new, and they represent a massive leap in safety tech compared to the 20-year-old planes they are replacing.
The "Human Factor" and Culture Shift
Safety isn't just about the plane; it's about the people.
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The DGCA (India's aviation regulator) has been riding Air India hard lately. They’ve issued warnings about everything from forging maintenance records to missing emergency equipment checks. This sounds scary, but in a way, it's actually a good sign. It means the oversight is finally getting strict.
Tata’s "Vihaan.AI" plan is supposed to fix this. They are hiring thousands of new crew members and pilots, putting them through rigorous training that matches global standards. But you can't change a 30-year-old culture overnight. It's a slow, painful process.
Is It Safe to Fly Air India in 2026?
Look, if you're asking "will the plane crash?"—the answer is almost certainly no. Air India flies hundreds of flights a day without incident. They are a member of the Star Alliance, which means they have to meet certain international criteria.
However, the "safety rating" is a reflection of consistency. Right now, Air India is in a "high-risk, high-reward" phase of its transformation. They are fixing the problems, but the problems they are fixing are significant.
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If you're a nervous flyer, you might prefer a carrier with a more stable, long-term safety record like Vistara (now merged into AI) or IndiGo, which has historically maintained a higher rating.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Flight
If you're looking at an Air India ticket, here’s how to navigate the current situation:
- Check the Aircraft Type: If your route is served by the new Airbus A350, book it. These are the pride of the new fleet and feature the latest safety avionics.
- Avoid the "Legacy" 787s for Now: Until the retrofit program is fully completed in mid-2027, some of the older Dreamliners still suffer from "reliability issues" (broken seats, glitchy entertainment, and more frequent technical delays).
- Monitor the DGCA Updates: If you're a frequent flyer in India, keep an eye on news about "regulatory audits." If the DGCA stops issuing fines, it’s a sign the new safety culture is finally sticking.
- Don't Ignore the Small Stuff: Report issues like broken seatbelts or non-functional emergency lights to the crew. A safe airline is one where the passengers and crew both hold management accountable.
The Air India safety rating is currently a "work in progress." It reflects an airline that is shedding its old, messy skin and trying to grow a new one. It’s not at the top of the charts yet, but the trajectory—despite some tragic setbacks—is aimed upward.