After Whistleblowers’ ‘Asked To Change Statement’ Claim, Air India Issues Clarification On Safety Checks
Air India has issued a detailed statement assuring passengers that safety remains its top priority, following the fatal crash of Flight AI171 on June 12 in Ahmedabad. The airline’s message came in the aftermath of serious allegations raised by two former cabin crew members who claimed the tragedy could have been prevented.
The airline conveyed its condolences over the loss of 241 passengers and crew members, along with 34 individuals on the ground. “Words cannot express the pain we feel for the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event,” the statement read. Air India confirmed it is working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the crash and is committed to supporting affected families.
“We are reaching out with heavy hearts following the tragic crash… Our thoughts are with everyone touched by this loss,” said Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson.
Aircraft, Crew Cleared Safety Checks, Says Airline
The airline clarified that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the crash had undergone all necessary maintenance procedures. It had its last major check in June 2023 and was due for the next in December 2025. The engines were inspected in March and April 2025 respectively and showed no prior issues.
The flight was led by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior instructor with over 10,000 hours of widebody flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kunder, with more than 3,400 flying hours. Air India said all facts shared were based on current findings and it awaited the final investigation report.
Following directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on June 14, Air India began detailed inspections of its 33 Boeing 787 aircraft. So far, 26 have been cleared for service, while the remaining are undergoing scheduled maintenance and will be checked before flying. The DGCA has confirmed that Air India’s maintenance processes meet required safety standards, the airline added.
In light of ongoing safety checks, international airspace restrictions, and other operational challenges, Air India announced a temporary reduction of its international widebody flights by 15% from June 20 through mid-July. “We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience,” the airline said, promising rebooking or refunds for affected passengers.
Sacked Staff Flagged Safety Concerns Before Crash
The statement comes after a letter dated June 19 from two former senior cabin crew members accused both Air India and DGCA of ignoring repeated safety warnings before the AI171 crash. They alleged they were sacked in 2024 after highlighting technical defects in Dreamliner aircraft and refusing to alter their statements regarding a prior safety incident.
“We would like to place on record that the said accident was waiting to happen as our various statements and contentions relating to the technical aspects and defects in the Aircraft… were deliberately pulled under the carpet,” the letter read. The crew members claimed they had raised red flags for months, only to be dismissed without inquiry in what they termed a “gross abuse of power.”
