Ahead of the first anniversary of the AI-171 disaster, Air India has sought to reassure victims' families that they are under no obligation to accept compensation before the crash investigation is completed.
Ahmedabad: Days before the first anniversary of the AI-171 plane crash that claimed 260 lives, Air India has written to Radhika Rupani, daughter of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, stating that families of victims are under no pressure to accept the airline's final compensation offer within any fixed timeframe.
The clarification follows concerns raised by Radhika, who had written to Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran seeking greater transparency and answers regarding the compensation process and the ongoing investigation.
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In her letter, Radhika Rupani expressed concern that some documents sent to families appeared to require them to waive future legal claims against Air India before the cause of the crash had been fully established. She argued that families deserved answers and accountability in addition to financial compensation. Air India, however, responded that its compensation offer did not impose any deadline and that families were free to wait for the final investigation report before making any decision. The airline stressed that no family should feel compelled to choose between immediate financial support and awaiting the outcome of the inquiry.
The airline also clarified the purpose of the "Receipt, Discharge and Indemnity" document being sent to relatives of victims. According to Air India, the broad legal wording is intended to ensure that settlements remain final and to protect the airline from future duplicate or indirect claims after compensation has been accepted. The company maintained that the document does not alter a family's freedom to delay a decision until more information becomes available.
Air India noted that the investigation into the crash is being conducted independently by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and that the airline has no control over the timing of the final report. It said the final compensation process began in October 2025 after most interim compensation payments had already been distributed, adding that the move was prompted by requests from families seeking clarity on long-term settlements.
The AI-171 tragedy occurred on June 12, 2025, when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after take-off, killing 260 people and becoming one of India's deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. The crash claimed the lives of passengers, crew members and people on the ground, including Vijay Rupani.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Vijay Rupani's son, Rushabh Rupani, reflected on the family's loss and described his father as a guide and mentor whose absence continues to be deeply felt. He also announced the creation of the Shri Vijay Rupani Memorial Foundation in Rajkot, which aims to work in the fields of education, healthcare, youth development and women's welfare. As families continue to await the final findings of the crash investigation, questions about accountability, compensation and closure remain at the centre of their search for answers.
Published: 10 Jun 2026, 08:31 pm IST
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