Probe Into Ahmedabad Air India Crash Still Ongoing: Govt
AAIB continues investigation into June tragedy that killed 260; final report awaited
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Dec: The government on Thursday informed Parliament that the investigation into the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier this year remains ongoing, with the final report yet to be issued. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting the inquiry under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025.
The update came in response to an unstarred question from MP Shafi Parambil about the status of the probe. The London Gatwick-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI171, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew. Only one passenger survived.
A preliminary report published on July 12 summarised findings based on evidence gathered in the early stages. Mohol clarified that investigators are still examining all possible causes of the crash and that conclusions have not yet been drawn. The final report will be released after completion of a full technical and operational assessment.
Responding to queries about preventive action, the minister said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) maintains a “robust mechanism” for aviation safety oversight. This includes routine and special audits, spot checks, systematic surveillance and enforcement measures for non-compliance.
Under the DGCA’s Annual Surveillance Plan, various technical directorates conduct regular inspections, and operators are required to implement corrective actions, which are verified in follow-up audits. Penalties are imposed in cases of rule violations.
The DGCA has also issued a circular mandating a special comprehensive audit to further strengthen the aviation ecosystem and enhance safety architecture across airlines and airports.
While final findings on the Air India crash are awaited, the government assured Parliament that continuous efforts are underway to fortify safety norms and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
