New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday clarified that the investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 accident is still in progress, dismissing recent media reports suggesting that the probe has been finalised.
In an official statement, the AAIB said claims that the investigation had reached a conclusion were “incorrect and speculative,” adding that no final findings have been drawn. “The investigation is still in progress. No final conclusions have been reached,” the bureau said.
The AAIB emphasised that aircraft accident investigations are conducted strictly under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and in line with India’s obligations under ICAO Annex 13. It described the process as technical and evidence-based, aimed at identifying root causes and improving aviation safety.
Referring to its earlier communication, the AAIB noted that the preliminary report released previously contained only factual information available at that stage of the inquiry. The final investigation report, which will include conclusions and safety recommendations, will be published upon completion of the probe, the statement said.
The bureau also urged media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid premature speculation. “Unverified reporting causes unnecessary public anxiety and undermines the integrity of an ongoing professional investigation,” it said.
The clarification follows reports carried by sections of the international media. An Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, had alleged that one of the pilots of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner turned off fuel switches in what it described as an “almost certainly” intentional act.
While not naming any specific publication, the AAIB reiterated that such interpretations remain speculative until the investigation is formally concluded.
Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London, crashed seconds after take-off. The aircraft struck a medical college hostel, resulting in 260 fatalities, including 241 passengers and crew on board.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Wednesday granted the Centre three weeks to place on record the status of the investigation. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing petitions seeking an independent, court-monitored probe into the crash.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), informed the court that the AAIB inquiry was in its final stage. “We are at the fag end of the enquiry, and the report will soon be prepared,” Mehta said, adding that certain aircraft components had been sent abroad for specialised testing.
Taking note of the submission, the court directed the Centre to complete the exercise within three weeks and ordered that the report be filed in a sealed cover along with an affidavit detailing the procedural steps followed.
During the hearing, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the father of the pilot-in-command, reiterated the demand for a court-monitored investigation. He argued that past aviation accidents abroad had initially attributed blame to pilots before later inquiries revealed technical issues.
The Supreme Court cautioned against drawing conclusions about any aircraft model or airline without conclusive findings.
The AAIB said it remains committed to transparency, procedural integrity and the highest standards of aviation safety.
