Air India Announces ₹25 Lakh Interim Payment to Crash Victims’ Families and Survivors

GG News Bureau
Ahmedabad, 14th June: Air India on Saturday announced an interim payment of ₹25 lakh (approximately £21,000) to the families of those deceased and to survivors of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash. This payment comes in addition to the ₹1 crore compensation already pledged by its parent company, Tata Sons.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers, including 12 crew members, crashed in the Meghaninagar area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 270 people, including 241 passengers on board.

“To provide immediate financial support, Air India will be making an interim payment of ₹25 lakh or approximately 21,000 British pounds to each of the families of the deceased and also to the survivors,” Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson stated in a video message. He further clarified that this is supplementary to the ₹1 crore (approximately £85,000) already committed by Tata Sons. On Thursday, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran had announced the ₹1 crore compensation for each life lost.

Wilson also highlighted the comprehensive support being extended to the affected families. “Over 200 trained caregivers are now in place, with each family assigned dedicated assistance along with access to counseling and other services,” he said. He added that the process of reuniting next of kin with their loved ones and personal effects has begun, with teams working closely with families and authorities.

Addressing safety concerns, the Air India chief confirmed that the airline is completing precautionary safety checks on all its Boeing 787 aircraft, as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “We will complete all checks within the timelines prescribed by the regulator. This has been confirmed by the authorities,” he assured.

Wilson also confirmed the recovery of the aircraft’s data recorder, which will be a crucial part of the official investigation. He reiterated Air India’s commitment to “fully cooperate” with these ongoing investigations.