Air India is facing the prospect of multiple lawsuits in the UK and the US following the crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people on board and 33 on the ground.
International law firms are now engaging with the families of the victims, exploring legal options to claim their rights under international laws. Keystone Law, a UK-based firm, and Wisner Law Firm, based in the US, are working together to investigate the crash and prepare potential lawsuits against Air India and Boeing. These legal actions would be separate from any compensation efforts by Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India.
The lawsuits are likely to be based on Article 33 of the Montreal Convention, an international treaty governing airline liability. This convention allows families to pursue claims in countries where the airline operates or where the victims have ties. In this case, families could potentially sue Air India in the High Court in London and Boeing in US federal court in Virginia. Articles 17 and 21 of the Montreal Convention provide for unlimited liability in case of passenger death or injury.
James Healy-Pratt, a partner at Keystone Law, stated that his firm is carefully reviewing the evidence and considering legal proceedings against Boeing in US courts and against Air India in the High Court in London. His team is also assessing early settlement offers from Tata AIG, Air India's insurer, and the airline's obligation to make advance payments to the next of kin under international law.
In the aftermath of the crash, Tata Sons announced ₹1 crore compensation for the family of each victim. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson later added that the company would make an interim payment of ₹25 lakh to each family in addition to the ₹1 crore. However, legal experts suggest that Air India and Boeing could be liable for more under the Montreal Convention.
Under the Montreal Convention, the airline is presumed liable and needs to pay a minimum compensation of 151,800 special drawing rights (SDRs) for death or serious injury, regardless of fault. This amounts to approximately ₹1.82 crore per person. If negligence is proven, additional compensation can be sought.
Air India has $1.5 billion in liability insurance for widebody aircraft. However, legal experts believe that claims could exceed this amount if negligence is established. UK legal experts have indicated that Air India or Boeing could face unlimited damages if found negligent under international aviation law.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently investigating the crash. India's aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol stated that all angles are being assessed, including possible sabotage. A preliminary report is expected to be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) within 30 days of the crash, with a full report due within a year.
In addition to potential lawsuits from the victims' families, a plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking urgent intervention and action. The plea calls for immediate steps to ensure justice and adequate compensation for the victims and their families, including interim compensation of Rs 50 lakh to each family. The petition also requests the formation of a high-level expert committee to assess and award final compensation and directs Air India to expedite the settlement of compensation claims.
