Centre reinforces national aviation safety framework amid AI-171 probe
In a key update to Parliament on Thursday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation provided a comprehensive overview of the ongoing investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad and outlined multiple measures undertaken to strengthen national aviation safety oversight.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Lok Sabha that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a detailed probe into the tragedy under the recently notified Aircraft (Investigations of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025. He emphasised that the investigation is being executed with full technical rigour and in line with global standards.
According to the minister, the AAIB has already released its preliminary investigation report on 12 July 2025, which is publicly accessible on the bureau’s official website. The preliminary document compiles factual information gathered from available evidence, flight data, technical records, and witness inputs.
However, Mohol clarified that the exact cause of the crash has not yet been established. All potential contributing factors, technical, human, operational, and environmental remain under careful examination. The minister reiterated that the final report will be published only after a thorough and conclusive assessment by investigators.
In parallel, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified its nationwide safety surveillance to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Mohol outlined several critical steps being implemented:
1. Strengthened safety oversight mechanisms
DGCA continues routine and surprise inspections of airlines, aircraft, and airport operators to verify strict compliance with prescribed rules, maintenance requirements and safety procedures. These checks are supplemented by targeted special audits whenever risk indicators are identified.
2. Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) transparency
The regulator’s Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP), which enumerates surveillance activities across technical and operational domains, is made publicly available online. Operators found deviating from safety recommendations face enforcement actions, including monetary penalties or other regulatory measures.
3. Special safety audits
In early 2025, DGCA issued Circular 01/2025, mandating comprehensive special audits of airline operations and aviation infrastructure. These audits aim to examine systemic vulnerabilities and reinforce India’s broader aviation safety architecture.
Mohol assured Parliament that the government is fully committed to maintaining the highest levels of civil aviation safety. He added that the findings and recommendations emerging from the AAIB’s final report will be implemented across the sector to enhance accident-prevention frameworks, improve operational compliance, and strengthen risk mitigation protocols.
The Ministry reiterated that passenger safety remains the top priority, and the outcomes of the investigation will be leveraged to benefit the entire aviation ecosystem, from airlines and maintenance organisations to airports and regulatory bodies.