Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the media at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi, detailing the government’s response to the crash of Air India Flight AI171. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating between Ahmedabad and Gatwick Airport, crashed within one minute of takeoff in the densely populated Meghani Nagar locality of Ahmedabad, carrying 242 individuals, including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 crew members. Among the deceased were young medical students from Meghani Nagar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, meeting with injured passengers and bereaved families. He chaired a high-level meeting at the airport to direct further action. Home Minister Amit Shah arrived soon after, reviewing the situation and instructing central agencies to provide full support. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol also visited the site, meeting families and emergency personnel.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation activated a 24/7 control room with personnel from DGCA, BCAS, CISF, and AAI coordinating efforts. Multiple helplines were set up, including emergency contacts at Ahmedabad Airport, MoCA, and Air India. The government directed Air India to provide immediate ex gratia compensation, logistical and emotional support, and assistance with documentation and travel arrangements for affected families. A dedicated support cell was established in Gatwick for British nationals.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau launched a formal investigation, dispatching a five-member team led by the Director General of AAIB. The aircraft’s black box was recovered on June 13, expected to provide critical insights into the flight’s final moments. A high-level committee chaired by the Union Home Secretary was formed to conduct an independent inquiry, including officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Gujarat, DGCA, BCAS, Indian Air Force, Intelligence Bureau, and forensic experts. The committee will examine technical, operational, and regulatory aspects, identify systemic gaps, and submit a report within three months recommending long-term aviation safety reforms.
The DGCA directed Air India to conduct immediate technical inspections of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fitted with Genx engines. Of the 33 Dreamliners in service, 8 have already undergone inspection, with the remaining aircraft being checked urgently. Surveillance of maintenance protocols and airworthiness procedures for all wide-body aircraft has been intensified.
The minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to aviation safety, citing ICAO’s consistent rating of India’s regulatory systems as robust. He urged the public and media to avoid speculation, assuring that official findings will be shared transparently. The government remains focused on uncovering the truth and delivering justice to affected families.
