Air India CEO Calls AI 171 Crash ‘Tragic’, Promises Ongoing Assistance to Victims’ Families

Four months after the Air India Flight 171 tragedy that killed 260 people, including passengers and crew.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson called the incident “devastating” and reiterated the airline’s commitment to supporting victims’ families and affected staff.

Addressing a conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, Wilson said, “The plane crash in June was devastating for everyone involved — families, loved ones, and our staff. We continue to provide every possible form of assistance to those affected and will keep doing so.”

Interim findings and investigation
Wilson referred to the interim probe report, which ruled out any technical malfunction in the aircraft or its engines. “We, like everyone else, await the final report. If there are lessons to be learned, we will act on them,” he said.

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed on June 12 shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad when both engines lost thrust. Only one passenger survived the crash.

Preliminary findings suggest both fuel cut-off switches were inadvertently moved to the “off” position, leading to dual-engine failure. Investigators are still examining whether crew error, design flaws, or procedural lapses were responsible.

Legal action and next steps
Multiple lawsuits have been filed alleging the aircraft’s fuel switch design contributed to the accident. Families of victims are pursuing compensation claims, while Air India and regulators have launched reviews of aircraft systems and pilot training standards.

Wilson reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to full cooperation with investigators. “If any procedural or technical changes are needed to ensure such a tragedy never happens again, we will implement them immediately,” he said.