New Delhi: A formal investigation has been launched into the crash of Air India flight 171, which claimed the lives of 241 people on board, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed on Friday. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is leading the probe into one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history.

"Following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)," Naidu posted on X.

The minister further announced that a high-level committee comprising experts from various fields would be constituted to examine the incident thoroughly and recommend measures to enhance aviation safety.

"Additionally, the government is constituting a high-level committee comprising experts from multiple disciplines to examine the matter in detail. The committee will work to strengthen aviation safety and prevent such incidents in future," Naidu added.

The United States' National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also set to join the investigation, as the crashed aircraft was a U.S.-manufactured Boeing 787.

"The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday," the NTSB Newsroom posted on X.

It noted that all official information related to the investigation would be released by the Indian government, following the framework outlined in the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Annex 13.

Air India confirmed that of the 242 people on board the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner -- 230 passengers and 12 crew members -- 241 had died. Only one person, a British national of Indian origin, survived the crash and is currently being treated in hospital.

"The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital,” Air India posted on X.

The flight was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025. The manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.

Shortly after take-off from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the aircraft issued a Mayday call but failed to respond to further communication from Air Traffic Control (ATC). The plane then crashed into a residential doctors’ hostel near the airport perimeter, engulfing the area in thick black smoke.

The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 flying hours, and co-piloted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.

In response to the tragedy, Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, has announced a compensation package for the families of the deceased.

"Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel," Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said in a statement posted on X.

Emergency response efforts have been ongoing, with the Gujarat government deploying seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams consisting of 90 personnel from Gandhinagar to assist with rescue and recovery operations.

A dedicated helpline has been set up by Air India for families seeking information. For callers within India, the number is 1800 5691 444, while those calling from abroad can reach the airline at +91 8062779200.