Air India Announces Compensation After Flight AI 171 Crash Tragedy

Air India has confirmed compensation for families affected by the devastating crash of Flight AI 171, which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India en route to London Gatwick.

The aircraft crashed at around 6:25 p.m. local time, impacting Meghani Nagar, a populated residential area, also striking a dormitory at a local medical institution.

On board were 242 passengers including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals. Initially, no survivors were expected, but one person has since been confirmed alive.

Tata Group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow, stating, "We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured."

Tata Group pledged a compensation of ₹1 crore (around $116,000 USD) to each victim's family, will cover all medical expenses for the injured, and support rebuilding the damaged medical hostel. "We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time," the statement added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared condolences on social media, expressing grief and support, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the tragedy "devastating" and kept updated on developments.

Dramatic footage shows the aircraft descending rapidly before explosion and fire, raising urgent questions about runway safety and emergency response. Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause.

Air India's commitment to compensation and care underscores a dedication to responsibility amid this profound tragedy connecting communities in India and abroad.

Source: Teknolojibura