New Delhi:  As the first anniversary of the tragic AI-171 crash approaches on June 12, Air India has denied allegations that families of victims were pressured to accept final compensation before the completion of the official investigation. The airline clarified this in a letter to Radhika Rupani, daughter of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the 260 people killed in the disaster.

Radhika Rupani had earlier written to Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran seeking greater transparency and answers, expressing concern that families were being asked to waive future claims before the investigation findings were made public. In response, Air India stated that there was no deadline for accepting compensation and that families were free to wait for the final investigation report.

The airline said it had begun providing interim financial assistance immediately after the crash to support affected families. According to Air India, interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh has been paid to families of 96 percent of the victims, while the Tata Group's AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust has provided Rs 1 crore in assistance to nearly all affected families.

Air India also noted that the final compensation process is underway and emphasized that compensation could not be delayed indefinitely while awaiting the investigation report. The crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, while operating a flight to London's Gatwick Airport.

Meanwhile, efforts to return victims' personal belongings continue. Air India said more than 22,000 personal items were preserved, with belongings linked to 139 deceased passengers already returned to their families. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) is continuing its probe into the crash, and a further update on the investigation is expected as the tragedy marks one year.

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