Air India flight AI117, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, successfully landed in Birmingham on October 4 after the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed during its final approach. The airline confirmed that all electrical and hydraulic systems were functioning normally, and there were no injuries among passengers or crew. The aircraft has been grounded for further inspections, and the return flight AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi has been cancelled. Air India is arranging alternative accommodations for affected passengers.

An Air India spokesperson stated, "The operating crew of flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on 04 October 2025 detected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) of the aircraft during its final approach. All electrical and hydraulic parameters were found normal, and the aircraft performed a safe landing at Birmingham. The aircraft has been grounded for further checks, and consequently, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi has been cancelled, and alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate the guests."

The RAT is a crucial emergency power system that deploys in situations of total electrical or hydraulic failure. It generates power to maintain control of essential flight systems. This incident is particularly noteworthy as it follows a tragic crash of another Air India Boeing 787-8 in June, which resulted in 260 fatalities. The RAT was deployed in that incident shortly after takeoff due to a failure in the engine fuel control switches.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft involved in the recent incident took off from Amritsar at 1:07 PM (India time) and landed in Birmingham at 7:00 PM (UK time). The RAT's unexpected deployment without an emergency is considered unusual, and the airline has not yet disclosed the number of passengers on board. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently investigating the earlier crash, with a preliminary report indicating issues with the engine fuel control switches.

As the domestic aviation sector in India continues to grow, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported a 4.99% increase in passenger traffic from January to August 2025 compared to the previous year, despite a slight dip in August. Air India is focused on ensuring the safety of its passengers and crew during this incident and the ongoing investigations.