Air India has publicly stated that families affected by the tragic AI-171 crash are not obligated to accept final compensation packages before the official investigation concludes. This assurance directly addresses concerns raised by Radhika Mishra, daughter of former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, who questioned the timing of settlement considerations.
In a formal response, Air India clarified there is "no deadline or pressure" for grieving families to accept compensation within a specific timeframe. The airline emphasized that families are free to await the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report before making any decisions. "There is absolutely no reason for families to feel pressured to choose between immediate financial support and awaiting the investigation report," Air India stated.
Independent Investigation Underway
The airline highlighted that the crash investigation is being conducted independently by the AAIB, and Air India has no prior knowledge regarding the release date of the final report. The process for formal compensation began in October 2025, following the completion of most interim payments and the distribution of claim forms. Air India maintains ongoing discussions with families who wish to proceed with their claims.
In addition to formal compensation, the Tata Group established the AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust. This trust has already disbursed ex gratia assistance of Rs 1 crore to nearly all families who lost loved ones in the incident, independent of the formal compensation process.
Details of the AI-171 Crash
The Air India flight AI-171 crashed into a medical hostel complex in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar area on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff for London Gatwick. The accident claimed the lives of 260 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
The AAIB is reportedly preparing an interim report ahead of the accident's first anniversary. This upcoming report is expected to offer more detailed insights than the preliminary findings released last year. The initial report indicated that the Dreamliner's engine fuel switches flipped almost simultaneously shortly after takeoff, leading to a cutoff of fuel supply to the engines during the Ahmedabad-to-London flight.
Air India reiterates that families retain the full autonomy to decide when and whether they wish to engage in compensation discussions, even as the comprehensive investigation continues.