Civil Aviation Minister Announces Multi-Level Investigations into AI171 Crash and Safety Reforms

The briefing detailed the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 and outlined the immediate response by the Government of India, the status of ongoing investigations, and future reforms aimed at strengthening aviation safety.

The press briefing began with a one-minute silence observed in memory of those who lost their lives.

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating between Ahmedabad and Gatwick Airport (London), crashed within one minute of take-off. The crash occurred in the densely populated Meghani Nagar locality of Ahmedabad. The flight was carrying 242 individuals—230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 crew members.

Among the deceased are the passengers and young medical students from Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad. Their untimely demise has been described as a profound loss not only to their families but also to the nation’s future.

In the immediate aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he interacted with the injured and bereaved families and reviewed rescue and relief efforts. He also chaired a high-level meeting at the airport to direct further action.

Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at the site soon after the incident, personally reviewed the on-ground situation, and instructed central agencies to provide all necessary support to the victims’ families.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, along with MoS Murlidhar Mohol, visited the site immediately after the incident. They met families of the victims and the medical personnel involved in emergency care and later held meetings with central and state officials to review the situation and response mechanisms.

The Civil Aviation Minister expressed deep sorrow at the tragic loss of lives, acknowledging that the incident had shaken the entire nation. He extended his sympathies to all affected families, particularly those who lost young students in the crash. Reflecting on his personal experience of losing a parent in an accident, the Minister said he could relate to the anguish of those who were grieving.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation activated a 24×7 Control Room at its headquarters within hours of the incident, with personnel from DGCA, BCAS, CISF, and AAI coordinating efforts. A parallel media control room was also set up at the National Media Centre.

To assist families, multiple helplines were made operational:

• Ahmedabad Airport Emergency Helpline: 9974111327

• MoCA Control Room: 011-24610843/9650391859

• Air India Passenger Helpline: 1800-5691-444

Senior officials from MoCA, DGCA, AAIB, AAI, and BCAS reached the site immediately to oversee rescue operations and provide help.

The Government has issued clear instructions to Air India Management to extend comprehensive support to the families of those affected. Measures include:

• Immediate disbursement of ex gratia compensation

• Logistical and emotional support to the next of kin

• Deployment of senior Air India officials to meet and assist affected families

• Establishment of a dedicated support cell in Gatwick, London, for British nationals and their families

• Assistance with documentation, travel arrangements, and hospital coordination for the injured

The Minister emphasized that this incident must be treated not only as a technical investigation but as a humanitarian priority, with every possible support extended to grieving families.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) commenced a formal investigation into the crash on the same day. A five-member GO Team, led by the Director General of AAIB, was dispatched immediately and later augmented with forensic and medical experts.

A significant breakthrough was achieved with the recovery of the aircraft’s black box on June 13 around 5 PM. The decoding process is expected to offer critical insights into the flight’s final moments.

A High-Level Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Union Home Secretary to conduct an independent and comprehensive inquiry. The committee includes officials from:

• Ministry of Civil Aviation

• Ministry of Home Affairs

• Government of Gujarat

• DGCA, BCAS, Indian Air Force, Intelligence Bureau

• State Disaster Response Authority

• National and State-level forensic experts

Key Objectives of the Committee:

• Examine the incident from technical, operational, and regulatory standpoints

• Identify any systemic or institutional gaps

• Submit a consolidated report within three months

• Recommend long-term reforms to strengthen aviation safety, including certification systems, emergency response protocols, crew training, and air traffic management systems

The Minister informed that while the AAIB investigation will handle the technical aspects, this high-level committee will provide a holistic, policy-oriented roadmap for future safeguards.

The committee is scheduled to begin its deliberations on Monday, June 16.

The DGCA has directed Air India to undertake immediate technical inspections of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fitted with Genx engines. Of the 33 Dreamliners currently in service across Indian carriers, 8 have already undergone inspection. The remaining aircraft are being checked on an urgent basis.

The DGCA has also intensified ongoing surveillance of maintenance protocols and airworthiness procedures for all wide-body aircraft operating in India.

The Minister reaffirmed India’s global standing in aviation safety, noting that international organisations, including ICAO, have consistently rated India’s aviation regulatory systems as robust and compliant. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and transparency.

The Ministry urged the public and the media to refrain from speculation or unverified reporting. All official findings will be shared in a timely and transparent manner as investigations progress. The Government remains focused on uncovering the truth and delivering justice to the affected families.