In the wake of the devastating Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, Air India has initiated a series of measures to support the affected families. The airline has begun disbursing interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to each of the families of the deceased and to the sole survivor of the crash, in addition to the Rs 1 crore compensation announced by its parent company, Tata Sons. This move aims to provide immediate financial relief to those grappling with the tragedy.
Beyond financial assistance, Air India is offering comprehensive support to the bereaved families, including trauma counseling and assistance with hospital and funeral processes. Dedicated caregivers from Air India's Special Assistance team have been assigned to each family, providing 24/7 support tailored to their specific needs. These caregivers are guiding families through complex hospital procedures, including DNA identification and the release of remains, coordinating travel, overseeing the dignified handling of remains, and supporting funeral arrangements. Financial assistance for travel, accommodation, medical treatment, and last rites is also being provided, with provisions for additional needs.
A dedicated help desk, operational since June 15, has been instrumental in streamlining the documentation and disbursement process, ensuring minimal delays and maximum clarity for claimants. More than 500 volunteers from Air India and 17 other Tata Group companies have been mobilized to provide hands-on assistance to affected families.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on June 12, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and several others on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash, with assistance from the U.K., the U.S., and officials from Boeing. Both black box units, comprising the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), have been recovered from the crash site and will be crucial in determining the factors that led to the accident. The government body will decide where the black box data will be decoded after due assessment of all technical, safety, and security considerations. A preliminary probe report is expected within three months.
The crash has raised concerns about aviation safety and funding. A parliamentary standing committee report highlighted severe funding imbalances across aviation regulatory bodies, raising red flags about safety and compliance. The panel observed that the 'discrepancy' raised important questions about prioritizing regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities and recommended the adoption of performance-based budgeting for aviation regulatory bodies, linking allocations to specific performance indicators.
In the aftermath of the crash, Air India has reduced its international services operated by widebody aircraft by 15% to ensure operational stability, improve efficiency, and minimize passenger inconvenience. Passengers affected by the reduced flight schedule will be offered alternative travel options, including rebooking at no additional cost or a full refund.
The sole survivor of the crash, an Indian-origin British national, has been discharged from the hospital. Meanwhile, authorities are working to identify the victims through DNA testing, with many bodies severely charred or damaged. As of June 20, 2025, 231 victims had been identified through DNA testing, and the remains of 210 had been handed over to their families. Among the identified victims are 166 Indians, 36 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
Air India has reiterated its long-term commitment to the affected families, emphasizing that its support will not end with the operations in Ahmedabad but marks the beginning of an enduring relationship rooted in compassion and responsibility.
