'Final Report Soon, But No Shortcuts': Government Says Air India AI-171 Probe Nears Completion
One year after the devastating Air India AI-171 disaster, the government has indicated that investigators are approaching the final stages of their inquiry, though officials insist that accuracy and adherence to global aviation standards remain the top priorities.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said the investigation has progressed significantly and is now nearing completion. However, he stressed that authorities will not compromise on established procedures in an effort to speed up the release of findings.
According to the minister, the inquiry is being conducted under internationally recognised aviation investigation protocols, with every aspect undergoing detailed scrutiny before conclusions are finalised.
Marking the first anniversary of the tragedy, Naidu paid tribute to those who lost their lives and expressed solidarity with affected families. He said investigators remain focused on identifying the causes of the accident while ensuring that lessons learned contribute to strengthening aviation safety standards.
As the probe moves closer to completion, Air India has outlined a broad range of reforms introduced over the past year to enhance operational safety and fleet performance.
Following the accident, the airline conducted extensive inspections of its Boeing 787 fleet under regulatory supervision. The reviews examined critical systems and operational procedures, with officials reporting no major concerns during the inspections.
The carrier also accelerated several reliability programmes aimed at improving aircraft availability, reducing disruptions and enhancing long-term operational efficiency. Internal performance initiatives covering the Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 fleets were expanded as part of the airline's wider safety enhancement strategy.
Alongside technical upgrades, Air India increased its focus on employee wellbeing and psychological support. The airline broadened access to mental health services, counselling and wellness programmes for staff and their families through an expanded support network involving hundreds of mental health professionals.
