The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) clarified that the investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash has not been completed, rejecting recent media reports that suggested otherwise.

The clarification came after an Italian newspaper claimed that the final investigation report into the June 12, 2025 crash in Ahmedabad would blame pilot actions for the accident. The AAIB said these claims are incorrect and based on speculation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “The AAIB categorically clarifies that reports suggesting that the investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 accident has been finalised are incorrect and speculative. The investigation is still in progress. No final conclusions have been reached.”

The AAIB added that all accident investigations are carried out strictly in line with India’s Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and international safety standards under ICAO Annex 13. These investigations are technical and evidence-based, and their main purpose is to find the root causes of accidents and improve aviation safety.

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The agency explained that the preliminary report released earlier only included the facts that were available at that stage. The final investigation report, which will contain conclusions and safety recommendations, will be published only after the investigation is fully completed, following international norms.

The AAIB also urged media organisations to avoid speculation and unverified reporting. “Premature reporting causes unnecessary public anxiety and undermines the integrity of an ongoing professional investigation,” the statement said. The bureau reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness and the highest standards of aviation safety.

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Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked the AAIB to submit a progress report on the Ahmedabad crash investigation within three weeks.

The controversy began after Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that Indian investigators were preparing to conclude that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed because one of the pilots moved both engine fuel switches from “Run” to “Cutoff” shortly after takeoff. The report quoted unnamed sources who described the action as “almost certainly intentional.” However, Indian authorities have not confirmed any such finding.