New Delhi, May 8: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday said that the investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171 is in its final stages and is likely to be completed within a month.
The minister made the remarks while speaking on the sidelines of the second edition of the Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit held at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Naidu stated that the probe is being conducted independently by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and the government is providing all necessary assistance to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
“The crash investigation is in the final stage and could even be completed in a month. However, the investigation is being done by the AAIB and we do not interfere in it. We are extending all required resources and support,” the minister said.
Emphasising transparency, Naidu noted that the final investigation report would undergo international scrutiny because the ill-fated flight carried foreign nationals. He added that the authorities are ensuring the probe is conducted thoroughly and without external interference.
“There were international passengers onboard, so the report will naturally be examined closely. Anyone can raise questions regarding the findings, which is why transparency remains extremely important,” he said.
The AAIB had earlier submitted its preliminary findings to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation on July 12, 2025.
Addressing concerns raised by families of victims over compensation and communication delays, the minister said the Centre is continuously monitoring the situation and remains in touch with Air India regarding relief measures and compensation procedures.
According to Naidu, a dedicated monitoring cell has been set up within the ministry to coordinate with the airline and address grievances faced by the affected families.
The fatal crash occurred on June 12, 2025, when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Air India Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed less than a minute after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft went down in the densely populated Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad, killing 260 people and becoming one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
