AI171 Crash Vicims' Relatives Seek Clarity, Write to Prime Minister for Crash Data

Almost a year after the tragic Air India AI171 crash, Air India remains at the centre of scrutiny as grieving families demand answers. While the airline has provided compensation to many victims' families, questions about the cause of the crash continue to fuel frustration and public attention.

Around 30 families from Gujarat have taken the unprecedented step of writing directly to Narendra Modi, requesting access to the aircraft's Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and black box data. The families have emphasized that understanding what went wrong matters far more than monetary compensation. Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The AI171 flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, went down minutes after leaving Ahmedabad for London on June 12, 2025. The aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel complex, killing 260 people, including those on the ground. It was the first fatal incident involving the Dreamliner, drawing global scrutiny to Air India's operations.

Families argue that the preliminary report released last year leaves crucial questions unresolved. Many have also highlighted issues with Air India's system for returning victims' personal belongings, citing slow responses and a confusing online portal.

While compensation has been processed for most families, many insist closure is impossible without transparency. Air India's delayed engagement has intensified calls for the airline to take responsibility-not just financially, but in providing answers that can help families finally understand the events leading to the crash.