Why India's AI 171 Crash Probe Will Not Be Rushed, Says Minister Naidu
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Air India Flight 171 final crash report is delayed, Civil Aviation Minister Naidu says a "very, very thorough" probe is needed to meet ICAO international standards.
Key Takeaways
- •Civil Aviation Minister Naidu confirmed the Air India 171 final crash report is delayed to ensure findings are "100% sure" and scientifically sound.
- •The investigation follows strict ICAO Annex 13 international protocols, necessary due to global scrutiny and passengers from the UK and Canada.
- •Minister Naidu placed responsibility for the pilot shortage on airlines like IndiGo, which faces a 10% operational curtailment for failing to meet new DGCA Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL).
Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, India's Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu defended the ongoing delay in releasing the final Air India 171 crash probe report.
The Minister stressed that the investigation must not be rushed. He stated that the final findings must be "100% sure" and "scientifically arrived at" to uphold international standards. The crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has drawn global attention. The Minister noted that the report could be challenged by any international entity, requiring a "very, very thorough" process. He affirmed that the government faces no pressure to speed up the release.
The AI 171 Investigation and Global Scrutiny
The fatal crash of Air India Flight 171 occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, shortly after takeoff. The incident involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner investigation that has been highly scrutinized. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe. The AAIB is an independent body operating under the Civil Aviation Ministry.
This bureau follows strict international aviation safety protocols. Specifically, the investigation adheres to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) under Annex 13. The preliminary report suggested a dual-engine shutdown. This was reportedly caused by the fuel control switches moving to the "CUTOFF" position. However, this finding has been challenged. An external group, the Foundation for Aviation Safety (FAS), has alleged that the aircraft had long-standing electrical and system issues. This has created a public debate pitting pilot action against potential technical defects.
Minister Naidu was direct in addressing media speculation. He noted that "Everyone has their own theory," but emphasized that the official process must follow established rules and guidelines. The need for absolute accuracy is paramount. This is especially true given the global implications of the crash, which involved passengers from the UK and Canada.
Addressing Airline Operational Challenges
Minister Naidu also commented on the ongoing operational challenges facing Indian carriers. He specifically addressed the IndiGo pilot shortage and its impact on the network. The shortage was sharply exposed by the implementation of new DGCA Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules.
The Impact of New FDTL Rules
New FDTL rules came into effect to enhance aviation safety. They mandate longer rest periods for flight crew to combat fatigue. The new regulations increased the mandatory weekly rest period for pilots from 36 to 48 hours. They also restricted the number of night landings a pilot can perform. These changes require airlines to significantly increase their pilot staffing and improve crew rostering systems.
IndiGo, India's largest carrier, faced mass flight cancellations in December 2025. This was a direct result of failing to comply with the new FDTL rules. The Minister acknowledged the industry's growth but shifted the responsibility for crew management. He stated that it is the airline's responsibility to ensure it has enough trained pilots.
- IndiGo faces a deadline to meet the new FDTL requirements.
- Failure to comply will result in a 10% curtailment of operations.
- The Ministry views this curtailment as an opportunity to promote competition.
- Slots freed up by IndiGo's reduction are being reallocated to other airlines. This aims to restore network resilience and foster a more competitive market.
Minister Naidu's remarks underscore a dual focus for the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The first is on maintaining the highest level of safety and transparency in a high-profile crash investigation. The second is on ensuring airlines manage their resources responsibly. This is crucial for sustaining India's rapid growth as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market. The government is committed to safety without compromise, even if it means delays in reporting or operational disruption for major carriers.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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