Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson stated that the preliminary investigation report on the crash of flight AI171—which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London on June 12, 2025—found no issues in the airline’s operations or existing procedures.
Speaking at the Aviation India 2025 Summit in New Delhi, Wilson described the crash as “a devastating event for the company, employees, and families.” He added, “This is our first public gathering in India since that tragic day. The incident was profoundly distressing for everyone involved.”
Interim Report: No Fault Found in Engines or Operations
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India released its interim report one month after the crash, revealing that fuel flow to both engines was cut off shortly after takeoff, leading to the aircraft’s loss. However, the report emphasized that no systemic fault was found in the aircraft, engines, or Air India’s operational procedures.
Wilson remarked, “Every aviation incident—whether involving us or another airline—triggers an internal review and reflection. The interim report shows there’s no issue requiring changes in our engines or operational practices. Still, we constantly seek ways to improve.”
Air India’s Support and Responsibilities
The CEO said that over 600 personnel were deployed on-site in Ahmedabad following the accident. “Through Tata Sons, we established a relief fund for those affected. We’ve provided interim compensations to all families and are continuing with the final compensation process. As Air India and the Tata Group, we remain fully committed to supporting the victims and their families,” Wilson said.
He clarified that the airline was not directly involved in the investigation, explaining, “The inquiry is being led by the government. The interim report confirms there were no faults with the aircraft, engines, or operations. When the final report is released, if there are lessons to be learned, we will apply them. Our current priority is to provide the best possible support to those affected.”
Additional Operational Safety Measures
Wilson also noted that, following the crash, Air India voluntarily implemented extra safety checks across its flight operations. “We introduced additional inspections both voluntarily and in line with regulatory recommendations. Our operations have been under heightened oversight throughout this period. Now, we’re gradually returning to a more normal level of operations,” he said.
