A year after Air India crashed in Ahmedabad, AAIB says 'significant progress' has been made; provides no timeline for the final report

It’s been a year since Air India flight AI171 bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after take off from Ahmedabad airport, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground. On Friday, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said its investigation had made significant progress.

It said in a statement: “During the past year, the investigation team conducted an extensive and rigorous examination of all relevant technical, operational, organizational and human factors associated with the accident. This effort was supported by accredited representatives, technical advisors and subject matter experts from relevant organizations. Significant progress was made in the examination and analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, investigation of flight recorder data and other relevant components, engines and related evidence.”

Quick answers to key questions

•5 QUESTIONS

The AAIB announced significant progress in its investigation into the technical, operational, organizational and human factors involved in the AI171 crash, including analysis of the aircraft’s systems and flight recorder data.

The delay in the final report stems from ongoing forensic examinations of the plane’s engines and critical data analyzed at specialized facilities in the US and France, which could take several months.

ICAO Annex 13 outlines global standards for air accident investigations and emphasizes the need for transparency and ongoing reporting to keep families informed if the final report is delayed.

The families of the victims are receiving an interim financial compensation of ₹1 million along with round-the-clock assistance, including dedicated caregivers and support during the DNA identification process.

Tata Sons announced an ex gratia payment of ₹ 1 crore to the families of each deceased victim and established the AI171 Memorial and Welfare Trust to support the victims and their families.

Read also | Air India crash probe in final stage, report expected within month: Minister

The announcement came on the first anniversary of what is believed to be one of the deadliest crashes in aviation history. But it still resonates with grieving families still waiting for answers and closure about what caused the crash that killed 260 people.

Earlier today, families of those killed gathered at the crash site to mark the first anniversary of the disaster. Air India staff also held a two-minute silence on Friday, but for many grieving relatives, the commemoration served as a reminder that key questions remain unanswered a year after the crash.

Status of AI171 accident investigation report

According to reports, authorities are likely to release an interim report on the crash in the coming days. But the prospect did little to ease the fears of the victims’ families, many of whom were hoping for conclusive findings. Reports also indicate that investigators are expected to delay a final report on the accident as they continue to analyze the plane’s engines.

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International Aviation Rules for the Investigation of Aircraft Accidents

Outlook reports that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets global standards for air accident investigations. According to ICAO Annex 13 guidelines, investigators are expected to release a final report within 12 months of the plane crash. However, if the authorities are unable to meet the deadline, we encourage them to issue an interim statement highlighting the progress of the investigation.

The framework is designed to ensure transparency, preserve evidence and inform affected families while investigators work toward final conclusions.

Why are there delays?

The probe into AI171 is being led by the AAIB with the help of international agencies, including the US National Transportation Safety Board and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Citing officials, the report noted that delays often stem from forensic examinations of the Boeing 787’s General Electric GEnx engines and electronic engine control systems. In addition, authorities continue to analyze critical data at specialized facilities in the US and France, with sources suggesting a final report could still be months away.

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The delay in the AAIB report slammed the FIP

The delay by investigators also drew criticism from the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), which questioned why the investigation remained incomplete a year after the crash. Representatives of the pilot project urged authorities to either release conclusive findings or wait until the investigation was fully completed before releasing an inconclusive assessment.

“It (only an interim report) will cause more speculation and more misunderstanding,” Charanvir Randhawa, president of the union, told reporters at a news conference in Ahmedabad ahead of the crash anniversary.

He added: “We have asked the Indian government and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) not to come up with any interim report.”

Read also | AI-171 crash: AAIB calls ‘human intervention’ claims ‘speculative’

The AI171 crash: Here’s what happened

On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, London. However, the plane crashed into the medical faculty dormitory complex shortly after takeoff. There were 242 passengers and crew on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national. The accident claimed 260 lives, including 19 people on the ground, only one passenger survived the disaster. Among those killed was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Following the tragedy, Tata Sons announced an ex gratia payment of Rs ₹1 million to the families of each deceased victim, in addition to Air India’s compensation process. The group also promised support for the injured and help in rebuilding the affected dormitory complex.

Key things

The investigation into Air India Flight AI171 has made significant progress, but key questions remain unanswered.
The families of the victims are still grieving and waiting for closure as they deal with the aftermath of the tragedy.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is facing scrutiny over delays in issuing a final crash report.