Six Months Post-Air India AI171 Crash, Families Await Answers and Compensation

Six months after Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, killing 260 people, victims' families continue to struggle with unanswered questions, delayed compensation, and immense emotional distress. US attorney Mike Andrews, representing several families, highlighted these ongoing challenges during his third visit to meet them in Mumbai. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India's preliminary report indicated both aircraft engines unexpectedly shut down within 90 seconds of takeoff, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust.

While most families have received an initial Rs. 25 lakhs from Air India, many are still awaiting the Rs. 1 crore ex-gratia payment announced by the TATA Group. Furthermore, several families in the Mumbai region report not receiving the Rs. 4 lakh compensation promised by the Gujarat government, suggesting a communication breakdown. Similar issues with fund transfers affect families in the United Kingdom. Andrews emphasized that while compensation is important, families primarily seek to understand what, how, and why the crash occurred.

A detailed investigation is underway, with investigators from India's AAIB collaborating with the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Washington, D.C., to review flight and cockpit data. Andrews noted favorable comments from the Supreme Court regarding not blaming the pilots and seeking factual information. He also raised concerns about reports of legal releases being circulated, allegedly asking families to waive rights before the investigation concludes, which he deems improper. Under the Montreal Convention, passenger families are generally entitled to compensation from the airline, though investigation findings could extend liability to aircraft manufacturers like Boeing or subcomponent part producers.

The emotional toll on the families remains severe, with some reporting additional deaths potentially linked to grief and trauma. Andrews reiterated his team's commitment to supporting families and pursuing multiple legal avenues, including Freedom of Information Act requests in the United States, to access critical data. He stressed that accountability is paramount for the families to move forward.