Following the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed the lives of 270 people, India's aviation regulator has mandated inspections for all Boeing 787s operated by local carriers. Minister for aviation Ram Mohan Naidu announced this decision on Saturday, stating that authorities are exploring all potential causes of the crash.

The aviation regulator has directed Air India to conduct additional maintenance checks on its Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft with GEnx engines. These checks include assessments of take-off parameters, electronic engine control tests, and engine fuel-related inspections.

Mr. Naidu revealed that there are 34 Boeing 787 planes in the Indian fleet, with 8 already inspected and the remaining to be inspected urgently.

It is unclear whether government officials will be part of the inspection process. The tragic incident involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Gatwick airport that lost height shortly after takeoff and crashed into buildings below, marking the worst aviation disaster globally in the past decade.

While Air India operates 33 Boeing 787s, rival airline IndiGo has one in its fleet. Air India is currently conducting the safety checks as directed by the Indian regulator, which could potentially lead to delays on certain long-haul routes.

Although the planes have not been grounded, the Indian government is considering this as an option. The government is investigating various aspects of the crash, including engine thrust, flaps, and landing gear issues.

At the crash site, 270 bodies have been recovered, with only one survivor among the 242 passengers and crew. Families of the victims are anxiously awaiting the release of bodies, as authorities work on identification checks and DNA profiling.

A government panel has been formed to investigate the crash and will issue a report within three months to enhance safety measures. The tragic incident has deeply impacted Air India, which has been striving to rebuild its reputation and modernize its fleet since being taken over by the Tata Group in 2022.

As the investigation continues, families of the victims are seeking answers and support from authorities during this difficult time.