Probe into Ahmedabad plane crash continues, compensation process under way: Govt

The government on Monday told Rajya Sabha that the investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, one of the country’s worst aviation disasters in recent years, remains in progress, with all possible causes still being examined by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, said the probe is being conducted under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025.

A preliminary report, released on July 12 and published on the AAIB website, contains only factual findings based on evidence available at that early stage. “The investigation is under progress. All probable causes leading to the accident are being investigated. The final investigation report will be published,” he told the House.

The crash claimed 260 lives, including 12 crew members, and left 75 passengers injured. In a written reply, Mohol said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has in place comprehensive Civil Aviation Regulations to ensure safe aircraft operation and maintenance. These rules are updated regularly to remain aligned with international standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

The minister said the DGCA follows a layered surveillance system covering all operators through scheduled and unscheduled inspections, audits, night surveillance and ramp checks. Findings from these exercises are followed up with operators and closed only after verification. Violations attract enforcement action, including financial penalties.

On compensation, Mohol said Air India has released interim payments of Rs 25 lakh each to the next of kin of 237 of the 248 identified deceased passengers and crew, while verification is ongoing for the remaining 11 cases.

“The process for final compensation has also been initiated for all deceased, and communication has been sent to the next of kin for seeking the required information,” he said.

Of the 75 injured, final compensation has been completed for 43 individuals, while interim payments have been made to 24 others. Verification for the remaining eight is ongoing, and the final settlement process has begun for those who have already received interim relief.

Mohol said that ex gratia support of Rs 1 crore each from Tata Trusts has been provided to the families of 86 deceased individuals, including six crew members.

He also pointed to DGCA Circular 01/2025, issued earlier this year, which calls for a special audit of the wider aviation ecosystem to strengthen existing safety architecture and enhance oversight.