AI-171 crash probe in final stretch, report soon: Aviation Minister

Speaking during his visit to Ranchi, Naidu said the inquiry was being conducted in line with global aviation standards and remained open to scrutiny at every level.

The AI-171 crash had sent shockwaves across the country after the Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12 last year. The crash claimed 260 lives, including passengers, crew members and several people on the ground.

Without sharing details of the findings, the minister said the authorities were ensuring that every aspect of the investigation was examined thoroughly before the final report was released.

Naidu further said India needed to remain alert to any possible fallout of the escalating crisis in West Asia, although the present situation was not a matter of immediate concern for the country.

He said sectors such as civil aviation must remain prepared with short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to minimise disruption to passengers and the economy in case the crisis deepens.

On concerns over rising airfares amid global uncertainty, the minister said the Centre had already initiated measures to protect domestic passengers from additional costs. He said aviation turbine fuel prices, along with airport landing and parking charges, had been reduced to help keep fares stable and support the aviation sector.

Naidu said around five lakh passengers travel daily on domestic routes and added that the government was closely monitoring fare trends. He said additional flights and aircraft deployment would be considered if demand increased.

During the visit, the minister also announced that the revamped UDAN 2 regional connectivity scheme would be launched soon with an estimated outlay of around Rs 29,000 crore. Under the scheme, the government plans to develop 100 new airports and 200 helipads over the next decade to strengthen regional air connectivity across the country.

He also launched the Udaan Yatri Cafe at Ranchi airport, saying the initiative aimed to provide affordable food and beverages to passengers. According to the minister, the model had already received encouraging response at airports where it was introduced earlier.