New Delhi: A year after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, families of the victims may have to wait a little longer for definitive answers, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) expected to take another two months to submit its final report.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the probe is progressing on schedule and investigators are focused on producing a comprehensive report that examines every aspect of the disaster. Authorities have assured that the findings will be made public once the investigation is complete.
“Nothing will be kept in the dark. All details will be brought into the public domain,” an official involved in the process said, dismissing speculation surrounding the inquiry and suggesting that several media reports about the crash lack factual basis.
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, remains one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating a flight from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just 32 seconds after take-off. The aircraft struck student hostels at B.J. Medical College, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 people on the ground.
Officials said the investigation is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, though the ministry has maintained distance from sensitive details and interim findings. The inquiry has also involved cooperation with GE Aerospace, whose engines are central to the investigation. Sources indicated that the company has not raised any objections during the probe.
The AAIB is also considering releasing a status update before publishing its final findings, although investigators are not obligated to issue an interim report under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.
A preliminary report released last year revealed that the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from the “RUN” position to “CUTOFF” shortly after take-off, cutting fuel supply to both engines and leading to a catastrophic loss of power.
Investigators are continuing to analyse technical data and operational factors before finalising their conclusions. Officials maintain that the goal is to present a detailed and transparent account of what caused the crash and whether any safety recommendations are necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
