EXPLAINER | AI-171 crash, one year later: What we know, what remains unanswered

One year after Air India Flight AI-171 crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick, killing 260 people, families of victims are still waiting for definitive answers. While investigators have released preliminary findings and compensation efforts are underway, several questions around the cause of the crash, cockpit actions and accountability remain unresolved.

The anniversary has renewed attention on the investigation into one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent decades. Victims’ families, politicians and aviation experts are seeking clarity as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) prepares to release further findings, while Air India continues to defend its handling of compensation and rehabilitation efforts.

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What happened on June 12, 2025?

Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The aircraft went down within seconds of departure and struck the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area.

According to official figures cited by Air India and Gujarat authorities, 260 people died in the disaster, including 241 passengers and crew members and 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived.

What has the investigation revealed so far?

The AAIB is yet to release its final report.

However, preliminary findings released earlier indicated that both engine fuel control switches moved to the cut-off position shortly after take-off, resulting in fuel starvation to the engines.

Investigators have not reached a final conclusion on why the switches moved or whether the action was caused by human intervention, mechanical failure or another factor.

The probe remains ongoing.

Why are families demanding black box data?

Several victims’ relatives have publicly demanded greater transparency.

Hetal Prajapati, whose husband Mahesh Kalawadia died in the crash, has urged the government to release information from the aircraft’s black boxes, arguing that families deserve to know what happened inside the cockpit.

Other families have similarly called for the government to publish whatever findings are available rather than waiting indefinitely for the final report.

What is the controversy around the pilots?

One of the most debated aspects of the crash centres on the cockpit and the actions taken in the final moments.

Families have pointed to reports that cockpit voice recordings captured confusion between the pilots after the fuel switches moved.

Some relatives have pushed back against suggestions of pilot error and have urged investigators not to reach conclusions before the full evidence is made public.

Notably, these claims remain part of an ongoing public debate and have not been confirmed by investigators.

What are the allegations against Air India?

Some victims’ families, including relatives of former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, have alleged that Air India pressured them to sign legal documents while discussing compensation.

Air India has strongly denied those allegations.

The airline says there is “absolutely no deadline or pressure” on families to accept settlement offers and that relatives are free to wait for the final investigation report before making decisions on compensation.

How much compensation has been paid?

According to Air India:

• Families of 96% of the deceased have received interim compensation payments of ₹25 lakh each.
• Tata Sons announced an ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore for families of the deceased.
• Ex gratia payments have been disbursed to 91% of affected families.
• Air India says final compensation discussions are now underway.
• The airline maintains that pending cases largely involve documentation issues, family disputes or refusals to accept payments.

What happened to victims’ belongings?

Air India says more than 22,000 personal items recovered from the crash site were catalogued and documented.

According to the airline:

• Personal belongings linked to 187 victims were processed.
• Belongings of 139 deceased persons have been returned.
• Twenty-five digital devices were recovered, of which 16 have been returned to families.
• Some families have declined to receive recovered belongings.

How is Gujarat marking the anniversary?

The Gujarat government has announced a ₹547-crore redevelopment plan for the crash site.

The proposal includes:

• A specialised Paraplegia and Spine Hospital
• A rehabilitation centre
• A physiotherapy college
• New hostel facilities for medical students
• A modern canteen
• A Food and Drugs laboratory

Officials say the aim is to transform a site associated with tragedy into a healthcare and education hub.

What remains unanswered?

Several key questions remain unresolved:

• Why did the fuel control switches move to the cut-off position?
• Was there any technical malfunction?
• Was there any human error?
• What exactly happened inside the cockpit during the final seconds?
• Will the final report recommend changes to aircraft systems, procedures or training?

Until the AAIB publishes its final findings, many of the theories surrounding AI-171 remain just that: theories.