New Delhi’s aviation safety watchdog has firmly dismissed swirling rumors that the investigation into the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash has wrapped up. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) emphasized that the probe remains very much ongoing, with no final conclusions in sight.
The AAIB operates under the stringent Aircraft (Accident and Incident Investigation) Rules 2025 and ICAO Annex 13 protocols, ensuring a meticulous, evidence-driven process aimed at uncovering root causes and bolstering aviation safety. Initial reports released earlier captured the facts available at that stage, but the full final report, complete with findings and safety recommendations, will only emerge once the investigation concludes, in line with international standards.
In a strong appeal to media outlets, the AAIB urged restraint against premature speculation. Unverified reporting not only fuels unnecessary public anxiety but also undermines the integrity of professional inquiries. The bureau reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to transparency, procedural honesty, and the highest aviation safety benchmarks.
This clarification comes amid earlier statements from Civil Aviation Minister Muralidhar Mohol, who informed the Rajya Sabha earlier this month that the AAIB is thoroughly examining all facets of the June 2024 Ahmedabad incident. He assured the house that efforts are underway to complete the probe in a timely manner per ICAO guidelines, probing every possible cause.
The catastrophe unfolded on June 12, 2024, when Flight AI-171, departing from Ahmedabad airport, plummeted seconds after takeoff into a medical college, claiming 241 lives on board—including passengers and crew—and 19 on the ground. As families await answers, the AAIB’s ongoing work underscores the gravity of preventing future tragedies in India’s skies.