'Probe continuing with diligence': Civil aviation minister on first anniversary of Air India crash

NEW DELHI: Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash on its first anniversary, saying the investigation into the tragedy was continuing with “diligence and professionalism”.In a post on X, Naidu wrote: “Today, as we mark one year since the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident, we remember with profound sorrow those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.”He added, “The investigation continues with diligence and professionalism in accordance with established national and international procedures. We remain committed to a thorough and objective determination of the causes of the accident and to further enhancing aviation safety.”

The minister’s message came as relatives, friends and members of the aviation community gathered in Mumbai to remember the 260 people who died in the crash near Ahmedabad on June 12 last year. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off during its initial climb. Of the 242 people on board, 241 died, along with 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived, while all 12 crew members lost their lives.

At the prayer meeting in Mumbai’s Bandra area, family members spoke of the grief they continue to carry a year later. Amol Tatkare, whose wife Aparna Mahadik, a senior cabin crew member, died in the crash, recalled how he first learnt of the disaster while attending a training session with Air India.“I was still hopeful. The same night I landed in Mumbai and came to know that there were no survivors. I can’t believe that it has been one year since then,” he said.Tatkare said the past year had been deeply traumatic for both families but expressed confidence in the ongoing inquiry. “I have complete faith in the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and in all the agencies who are investigating the crash. I am hopeful that the truth comes out in the final investigation report,” he said.Friends of the crew and pilots also attended the memorial, including Sandeep Kapoor, a friend of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who perished in the crash.