India Forms High-Level Panel to Probe Air India Flight AI-171 Crash

New Delhi: The Government of India has constituted a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the crash of Air India Flight AI-171, which occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives, with only one survivor from the 242 people on board.

According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the committee will be chaired by the Home Secretary and will include senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian Air Force, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Intelligence Bureau, Forensic Science Services, state authorities, and aviation safety experts.

Key Objectives of the Committee:

• Determine the root cause of the crash.
• Examine existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and suggest new protocols to prevent and handle similar incidents.
• Review aircraft data, including flight data and cockpit voice recorders, maintenance logs, ATC communications, and eyewitness testimonies.
• Assess emergency response mechanisms, including rescue operations and inter-agency coordination at both Central and State levels.
• Recommend policy reforms, training improvements, and operational upgrades based on national and international best practices.

While the committee will not replace other statutory investigations, it will play a vital role in shaping preventive frameworks and suggesting comprehensive response protocols for aviation disasters.

The committee has been directed to submit its report within three months.

Compensation & Support

The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the family of each deceased passenger. A dedicated helpline has been set up for affected families:

• India Toll-Free: 1800 5691 444
• International: +91 80627 79200

Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after departure, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history. The government has also indicated potential collaboration with international agencies if foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers are involved.