‘Regret the poor judgment...’ Air India venture fires staff over viral party video days after AI 171 crash | VIDEO
New Delhi: Air India SATS Services (AISATS) has initiated strong disciplinary measures, including requesting the resignations of four senior employees, in response to a widely circulated video showing staff members celebrating at their workplace. The footage drew severe criticism, particularly given its timing following the devastating Air India AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad earlier this month.
While the precise recording date of the celebration video remains unconfirmed, its appearance on social media in the aftermath of the crash led to public outrage.
As per ANI reports, AISATS issued a public statement on Friday to address the controversy. "We at AISATS stand united with the families grieving the tragic loss of AI 171 and express our profound regret for the poor judgment displayed in a recent internal video," the company declared. "Such behaviour is inconsistent with our core values. We have taken decisive disciplinary action against those involved, reaffirming our dedication to empathy, professionalism, and accountability."
It has only been a few days since the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash.
Many families have not yet been able to see their loved ones for the last time; several bodies have still not been handed over.
Grief hangs heavy in households, funeral pyres are yet to cool. And at such a… pic.twitter.com/rrlekBNAeD— Squint Neon (@TheSquind) June 22, 2025
An AISATS spokesperson further emphasized the firm stance, stating that the disciplinary actions highlight the company's commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct across its operations. Sources confirm that the four implicated senior employees were indeed asked to step down from their positions.
Meanwhile, investigations into the Air India AI 171 disaster are actively ongoing. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) Lab in New Delhi is intensely analyzing data recovered from the flight recorders of the ill-fated aircraft.
The crash occurred on June 12, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed into a hostel complex within BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The catastrophe resulted in 241 fatalities out of 242 individuals on board, including the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani.
With inputs from ANI