Air India Crash Investigation Continues: Government Confirms Ongoing Probe into Fatal Ahmedabad Incident

The investigation into the Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad this June remains ongoing, according to a government statement issued on Thursday.

In the tragic incident, 260 individuals lost their lives, including 241 passengers and crew members, with only one survivor.

Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a thorough inquiry in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025.

This update was provided in parliament after MP Shafi Parambil raised questions about the current status and findings of the investigation.

The crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft bound for London Gatwick, which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. The aircraft was operating as flight AI171.

While authorities published a preliminary report on July 12, this document contained only initial evidence gathered at that stage of the investigation. Minister Mohol clarified that investigators continue to examine all potential causes, and the final comprehensive report will be released once the assessment is complete.

When questioned about whether the exact cause of the crash had been determined, government officials emphasized that no conclusions have yet been drawn as the inquiry continues to explore all possibilities.

Addressing safety concerns, the minister highlighted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) "robust mechanism" designed to enhance aviation safety. This system includes systematic oversight, regular and special audits, spot inspections, and enforcement actions against non-compliance.

The DGCA implements an Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP), under which various technical departments perform scheduled inspections. Operators must implement corrective actions, which are verified during subsequent audits, with penalties imposed for any violations of regulations.

Additionally, the DGCA has issued a directive requiring a comprehensive special audit aimed at strengthening the overall aviation ecosystem and enhancing safety protocols.

While awaiting the final conclusions regarding the Air India Flight 171 disaster, the government has assured Parliament that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen safety standards and prevent similar tragedies in the future.