Air India has firmly rejected accusations from families of victims in the June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash, who claimed the airline was pressuring them during compensation procedures.

Families of those killed in the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash had alleged threats of "no compensation" if they didn't complete a questionnaire and were reportedly forced to sign documents detailing their financial reliance on the deceased.

In a statement to India Today, Air India clarified its position: "Understandably, there are some formal processes that must be followed, but we are giving families all the time and flexibility they need. We want to support however we can.”

The airline stated that the questionnaire provided to some passengers was solely to verify familial relationships, ensuring the proper distribution of interim payments.

Air India confirmed that these forms offered flexible submission options, including both in-person and email.

According to the airline, interim payments have already been disbursed to 47 families, with documents for an additional 55 families currently under processing.

This interim payment of Rs 25 lakh (approximately 21,000 GBP) to each family of the deceased and to the lone survivor is intended to address immediate financial needs. This amount is in addition to the Rs 1 crore (approximately 85,000 GBP) support previously announced by Tata Sons in the wake of the devastating crash, which claimed the lives of all but one of the 242 individuals on board.