MUMBAI, India: India’s aviation accident investigation agency is facing mounting criticism from pilot associations and victims’ families over delays in releasing a final report into the 2025 Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people.
Relatives of victims had expected a conclusive report to be published on the first anniversary of the disaster. However, reports in local media indicate that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is likely to issue only an interim update, with the full investigation still ongoing.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff when the Boeing 787-8 aircraft went down in a fireball and struck a medical college in Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived.
Pilot groups, including the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), have criticised the investigation process, alleging a lack of transparency and raising concerns over the composition of the inquiry team. The group has also questioned investigative procedures, including the decision to interview family members of deceased pilots.
FIP President Charanvir Randhawa said the association lacks confidence in the ongoing probe and urged authorities to improve transparency in the investigation process. The group has called for clarification on whether technical or procedural failures beyond pilot action have been fully examined.
The AAIB released a preliminary report in July 2025, one month after the crash, in line with international aviation regulations. The report noted that fuel supply to the aircraft engines was cut off moments before impact but did not determine whether this resulted from human action or technical malfunction.
The preliminary findings sparked widespread debate, including speculation over pilot involvement, which families and aviation experts have criticised as premature and inconclusive.
Legal representatives of victims’ families have also challenged aspects of the initial report, arguing that it failed to adequately rule out alternative technical explanations. A petition has been filed before India’s Supreme Court seeking further scrutiny of the investigation.
In Ahmedabad, families of victims are holding a remembrance event and candlelight vigil on the anniversary of the crash, alongside aviation safety discussions aimed at addressing concerns over investigative transparency and improving air safety standards.
Pilot associations have urged authorities to release a comprehensive final report or provide clearer timelines for the conclusion of the investigation, warning that prolonged uncertainty risks fueling speculation and public distrust.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the AAIB yet to confirm a date for the final report.