The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is preparing the final report on the June 2025 Air India flight AI-171 crash, which caused 260 fatalities. The government has prioritized accuracy over speed to ensure thorough findings. The draft is expected by October, adhering to international aviation safety protocols.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has provided an update on the investigation into the tragic Air India flight AI-171 accident that occurred in Ahmedabad in June 2025. The incident, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives, remains under intense scrutiny as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) works to finalize its inquiry.
Speaking on the progress of the probe, Minister Naidu emphasized that while the government is committed to delivering the report, ensuring the accuracy of the findings is the top priority. The minister noted that rushing the investigation could compromise the discovery of the truth, which is essential for providing justice to the families affected by the disaster.
Regarding the timeline, the AAIB informed the Supreme Court on July 14 that a draft of the final report is scheduled for completion by October. The investigation is being conducted in alignment with the guidelines established by the Chicago Convention and Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization, which sets the standard for inquiries involving international flights.
The crash, which took place on June 12, 2025, involved the death of 229 passengers and 12 crew members, along with 19 individuals on the ground. The final report is expected to provide definitive clarity on the factors that led to this aviation tragedy, which continues to be a point of significant regulatory and public concern.
Beyond the specific investigation, Minister Naidu addressed the broader context of India's aviation sector, which has seen rapid development over the past decade. He highlighted that the number of operational airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to 165 as of 2026. This infrastructure expansion is intended to manage the rising volume of daily passenger traffic and aircraft movements, signaling a push for greater connectivity and capacity. The minister noted that the growth of the ecosystem necessitates a focus on safety standards and the development of skilled professionals, particularly as the sector scales to meet global competition.
For investors and stakeholders in the aviation industry, the upcoming October draft report will be the next major milestone. The contents of this report could influence future safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and operational compliance expectations for airlines operating within the Indian market. Monitoring the official release of these findings will be essential to understanding any potential long-term impacts on industry-wide safety mandates and operational oversight.