More than a year after the devastating Air India AI-171 crash, the families of those who lost their loved ones are demanding greater transparency in the investigation. They have called for the release of the aircraft’s black box data and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) transcript, while also renewing their demand for a permanent memorial at the crash site.
The demands come after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) informed the Supreme Court that it would not release the black box data or cockpit voice recordings during the ongoing investigation, stating that only the final investigation report would be made public.
Families Question AAIB’s Decision
The issue was raised during a meeting of victims’ families in Ahmedabad. Relatives expressed disappointment over the AAIB’s decision to withhold the black box information despite earlier releasing a cockpit voice recording transcript as part of its preliminary report.
Romin Vahora, who lost his brother, aunt and niece in the tragedy, questioned the agency’s approach. He asked why portions of the cockpit voice transcript were released soon after the crash if the intention was never to make the full data public.
According to Vahora, the families fear that selective disclosure of information could create confusion and mislead people about what actually happened during the flight.
Demand for Full Transparency
The victims’ families say they are not seeking partial information. Instead, they want the complete raw black box data to be made public or shared directly with them or their legal representatives.
They believe access to the data would ensure greater transparency and help families understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For now, the families have not initiated legal proceedings. However, they said their lawyers are exploring legal options to obtain access to the black box information if required.
They also warned that if the final investigation report is not released within the timeline indicated by the AAIB, they may hold protests after obtaining the necessary permissions.
AAIB Says Data Cannot Be Released
Last week, the AAIB informed the Supreme Court that the draft final investigation report into the June 12 crash is expected to be ready by October.
In its affidavit, the agency argued that there is an “absolute statutory prohibition” on releasing cockpit voice recordings and airborne image recordings during an ongoing investigation.
The AAIB also said that witness statements, cockpit voice recorder transcripts, air traffic control communications and medical records must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure future aviation safety inquiries are not compromised.
Remembering the AI-171 Tragedy
Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025.
The aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel complex moments after take-off, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. Another 19 people on the ground also lost their lives, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent decades.
The tragedy left hundreds of families grieving and raised serious questions about aviation safety and accident investigations.
Families Also Seek a Permanent Memorial
Apart from demanding access to the black box data, the victims’ families have renewed their appeal for a permanent memorial at the crash site.
They have urged the government, Air India and the Tata Group to allocate land and provide funding for a monument that honours those who lost their lives in the disaster.
The families say such a memorial would serve as a lasting tribute to the victims and ensure that the tragedy is never forgotten.
Waiting for Answers
While the investigation continues, many families say they are still searching for answers. They hope the final report will provide a complete account of what led to the crash and bring some measure of closure.
Until then, they continue to push for greater transparency, timely communication and a permanent place to remember the lives lost in one of India’s worst aviation tragedies.
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