AI171 crash: No pressure to accept payout, says airline on Rupani's daughter's claim
Air India has clarified that it has not pressurised the families of victims of the tragic AI-171 crash to accept final compensation packages before the
Air India has clarified that it has not pressurised the families of victims of the tragic AI-171 crash to accept final compensation packages before the official investigation report is released. The development came after Radhika Mishra, daughter of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani (who died in the crash), wrote to Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekharan. She alleged that Air India is forcing victims' families to waive their right to sue the airline to receive final compensation. Read Full Story In a formal response, which was accessed exclusively by India Today, the airline clarified that there is ‘no deadline or pressure' on any grieving family or individual to accept financial offers within a set timeframe.
Expressing condolences over the loss of life and suffering in the aftermath, the airline also addressed concerns regarding the timeline of the investigation. It emphasised that the families of the victims are ‘free to wait’ until the final enquiry report is published. It also noted that the investigation is being independently conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and as a result, Air India has no prior knowledge of when the findings will be made public. According to the airline, the final compensation process commenced in October 2025, after the majority of interim payments had been completed and claim forms were distributed.
Since then, Air India stated it has been actively engaged in open dialogue with families wishing to move forward with the process. "There is absolutely no reason for families to feel pressured to choose between immediate financial support and awaiting the investigation report," the statement read. Additionally, Air India highlighted the ongoing relief efforts by its parent company. The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, established by the Tata Group, has already disbursed philanthropic, ex gratia financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to nearly all families who lost their loved ones in the accident, independent of the formal compensation process.
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