The Government of India has constituted a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, which occurred on June 12 and resulted in the loss of 241 lives.
According to an order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the committee will examine the causes of the crash, assess emergency response efforts, and formulate comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent such incidents in the future. The final report is expected within three months.
“The committee will not substitute ongoing inquiries by regulatory and investigative bodies but will focus on broader systemic and procedural improvements,” the order clarified.
The panel will be chaired by the Union Home Secretary and include senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Air Force, Gujarat State authorities, aviation safety agencies, and forensic and intelligence departments. Aviation experts, legal advisors, and accident investigators may also be included as needed.
Key responsibilities of the committee include:
- Reviewing flight data, cockpit voice recordings, aircraft maintenance logs, ATC communications, and witness testimonies.
- Assessing emergency response coordination between central and state agencies.
- Studying past aviation accidents in India to draw relevant lessons.
- Formulating internationally benchmarked SOPs for prevention and post-crash management.
The panel will also conduct site inspections and interview key personnel, including the surviving crew member and Air Traffic Controllers. If required, it will coordinate with international agencies, especially in cases involving foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers.
Air India, which operates the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft involved in the crash, confirmed that only one of the 242 passengers and crew onboard survived. The Tata Group, which owns the airline, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of the deceased. A helpline has been set up to assist families and provide information: 1800 5691 444 (within India) and +91 8062779200 (international callers).
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in recent years. The government has pledged transparency, accountability, and systemic improvements through this high-level probe.
