An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced a rare malfunction on October 4, 2025, when its ram air turbine (RAT) deployed unexpectedly during its final approach to Birmingham Airport. The RAT is a last-resort emergency power system that kicks in when the aircraft’s main systems fail. Despite the unexpected deployment, the aircraft landed safely at 7:07 pm local time.
The incident occurred on flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, which took off at 12:52 pm local time. According to Air India, the crew detected the RAT deployment during the final approach, but all electrical and hydraulic parameters were found to be normal. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for further checks, and the return flight, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi, has been cancelled.
Senior pilots have downplayed the incident, suggesting that the RAT deployment was likely a system anomaly rather than a serious failure. They explained that the RAT typically deploys in response to one of three critical failures: dual engine failure, complete hydraulic failure, or complete electrical failure. In this case, the deployment appears to be an isolated incident, and it would be incorrect to draw parallels with a similar incident on June 12, when an Air India Boeing 787 experienced a RAT deployment shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
Air India has emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority. The airline is making alternative arrangements to accommodate the affected passengers. The incident is a reminder of the importance of robust safety protocols and regular maintenance checks to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. While the incident is under investigation, it is reassuring to note that the aircraft landed safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.