The aftermath of the Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad is marked by grief, investigation, and promises of transparency. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India, has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and emphasized the importance of transparent communication in a statement released following the tragic event. The crash, involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, occurred shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board.
Chandrasekaran described the incident as "one of the darkest days" in the Tata Group's history. In addition to the commitment to transparency, the Tata Group has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the family of each person who lost their life in the crash. The group will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and provide support for rebuilding the damaged B.J. Medical College hostel.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson also expressed his sorrow, stating, "This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India." He affirmed that the airline's efforts are focused on supporting the passengers, crew, their families, and the ongoing investigation.
Multiple agencies are involved in determining the cause of the crash. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the investigation, with assistance from teams from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). One of the two black boxes, the flight data recorder, has been recovered from the crash site, which is crucial for understanding the final moments of the flight.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft sent a 'Mayday' call shortly after takeoff, signaling an emergency. The aircraft struggled to gain altitude and crashed into a residential area approximately 5 km from the airport, which included the B.J. Medical College hostel.
The accident has raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking its first fatal incident since entering commercial service in 2011. The Indian government is reportedly considering temporarily grounding Air India's Boeing 787 fleet.
The sole survivor of the crash has been identified as Vishwaskumar Ramesh, a British national. He was traveling with his brother, who is presumed dead.
Air India has established assistance centers at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick airports to support the families of the victims. Dedicated hotline numbers have also been set up for those seeking information. DNA sampling is underway at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to identify the deceased, as relatives arrive from various parts of the country.
The crash is a significant setback for Air India, which has been undergoing a major reinvention since being acquired by the Tata Group in 2022. The airline has been working to rebrand and modernize after years of financial struggles under government ownership.
