Plane crash was devastating, doing everything to support affected people: Air India CEO

The June plane crash involving Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft was described as “absolutely devastating” by the airline’s CEO Campbell Wilson, who said that extensive efforts have been made to support the victims’ families and others affected by the tragedy. Interim financial compensation has already been distributed, while the process for final settlements is still ongoing.

Wilson made these remarks during the Aviation India and South Asia 2025 conference in New Delhi, his first public statement in India since the accident. No personal comment had been issued by him at the time of the crash, with only brief corporate messages released by Air India, expressing condolences and confirming coordination with authorities. The prolonged silence from the airline’s top management had left several families disappointed, many of whom had expected more direct communication and reassurance in the early days following the disaster.

The tragedy occurred on June 12, when Air India’s flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed soon after takeoff, killing 260 people, including 241 passengers. It remains one of the worst aviation disasters in recent Indian history. Nearly four months later, families of the victims say they are still waiting for justice, as the exact cause of the crash remains undetermined.

The interim report of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), released in July, ruled out technical failure in the aircraft, its engines, or airline operations. The report stated that fuel supply to both engines had been cut off within one second of each other, leading to a total loss of thrust shortly after takeoff. However, it failed to identify why this happened, leaving crucial questions unanswered. Cockpit recordings revealed confusion between the two pilots as they tried to understand the sudden power loss moments before the crash.

The airline has stated that interim compensation, ₹1 crore each to the families of the deceased crew members and ₹80 lakh to the next of kin of passengers, has already been paid. Additional assistance for medical costs and logistical support was also extended to the families of first responders and affected staff. The company is currently working with insurance providers and legal representatives to finalise the remaining settlements.

Despite these payments, families say compensation alone cannot replace justice. Many continue to express frustration over the delay in the final report and the absence of clear accountability. The father of the late Captain Sumeet Sharma, one of the pilots on board, has lodged a formal complaint demanding a thorough and transparent investigation. He has alleged that preliminary attempts were made to shift blame onto the flight crew and called for an independent probe into possible lapses in aircraft maintenance and procedural oversight.

Concerns have grown further in recent months after several Air India aircraft reported technical snags and made emergency landings both in India and abroad. Although these incidents were unrelated to the June crash, they have reignited public scrutiny of the airline’s maintenance and safety standards.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has maintained that the investigation is being conducted with full integrity and that no interference or manipulation has taken place. Officials have assured that the final report will provide a complete account of the crash and specify any corrective actions required.

In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Air India has initiated an internal review of its safety systems, crew training, and crisis management protocols. While reiterating that no operational faults were found in the June crash, the airline has stated that every such incident serves as a reminder to strengthen its systems, uphold transparency, and maintain public confidence in aviation safety.