The investigation into the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad has entered its final phase, with the final report expected to be released soon, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Wednesday.
The update comes as families of those killed in the crash have sought greater transparency from investigators. They have asked for regular communication, an independent validation of key findings and an early release of the final report.
AAIB probe nearing completion, says minister
Speaking about the progress of the investigation, Naidu said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was conducting the inquiry with complete transparency and professional independence.
“Regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash involving the Air India flight, the investigation is currently in its final stages. The AAIB, which is the organisation handling the probe, is fully capable and is carrying out the investigation in a completely transparent manner,” he said.
The minister said the priority was to establish the exact cause of the accident rather than rush the findings.
“While it is important to bring out the report as quickly as possible, it is far more crucial that the absolute truth regarding how and why the accident occurred comes to light,” Naidu said.
He added that the final investigation report would be released “very soon”.
Victims’ families seek regular updates
The minister’s remarks come after families of those who died in the crash submitted letters listing five demands to the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The families alleged that they were not receiving adequate updates about the investigation and raised concerns over the transparency of the process.
Among their demands was a request that the AAIB conduct independent Full Flight Simulator validation tests before issuing its final report. They also sought updates every 15 or 30 days through a formal communication channel.
The families further requested that the government announce a clear timeline for publishing the report, include an experienced commercial pilot with Boeing 787 flying and accident investigation experience in the probe, and ensure that relatives are not pressured into signing documents that could limit their legal rights against other parties.
“I respectfully request your kind intervention to ensure that the investigation into this tragic accident is fair, transparent, and completed as soon as possible. At present, families are not receiving proper updates about the investigation. We request that AAIB create a proper communication channel with the families and provide updates every 15 or 30 days. AAIB should also organise a meeting or conference where family members can ask questions and receive clear answers,” one of the letters said.
The letters also referred to the Federation of Indian Pilots’ request for independent Full Flight Simulator validation tests, saying these would help verify the sequence of events outlined in the preliminary investigation report.
“We have already lost our loved ones. We only seek the truth, regular communication, a fair investigation, and protection of our legal rights,” the letter said.
Crash killed 260 people
The Air India AI-171 flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people. The victims included 229 passengers, 12 crew members and 19 people on the ground.
Last week, the AAIB said investigators had made significant progress in examining aircraft systems, flight recorder data and engine-related components. It said the evidence collected was being analysed through a comprehensive and integrated process.