The aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which tragically claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, has been further complicated by allegations of mistreatment leveled against the airline by victims' families. The disaster occurred on June 12, 2025, when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, hitting a medical college hostel.
Families of the deceased have accused Air India, owned by the Tata Group, of unethical and potentially unlawful conduct in handling compensation claims. Peter Neenan, a British lawyer representing several families, alleges that the airline pressured bereaved relatives to complete complex documentation under duress, in unsuitable conditions, and without proper legal guidance. These actions, he argues, could potentially reduce the compensation amounts they are entitled to. Some families were allegedly visited at home by airline officials inquiring about the pending forms. One relative described completing the questionnaire in a "crowded hot corridor with unsuitable chairs and desks," lacking any privacy.
The questionnaire sent by Air India to the families has come under scrutiny. It seeks details about the deceased passenger's employment, occupation, employer details, and the number of family members financially dependent on them. Critics argue that asking about financial dependence could be used to lower the final compensation amount.
Air India has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them "unsubstantiated and inaccurate". The airline insists that it is working swiftly to provide interim compensation and has established a facilitation center to assist families with the process. They clarify that the questionnaire is intended to verify familial relationships and ensure that advance payments are received by those entitled to them. Air India has also refuted claims of coercion or unsolicited home visits. In response to allegations of completing forms in inappropriate conditions, the airline stated that any documentation completed at hospitals or morgues was unrelated to compensation and potentially required for government purposes.
Air India stated that it has disbursed interim compensation to 47 families and is processing payments for another 55. The airline has offered each affected family Rs 2.5m (£21,500) in immediate relief, in addition to Rs 10m (£86,000) announced by Tata, the parent company.
Meanwhile, legal teams in the United Kingdom and the United States are reportedly preparing to launch lawsuits against both Boeing and Air India following the crash. Simulator tests suggest a possible technical flaw may have contributed to the accident, with investigators examining the possibility of a dual engine failure. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting an official probe, with support from Boeing and the US National Transportation Safety Board.
