Key facts
- Air India and Tata Sons have disbursed nearly Rs 300 crore to families affected by the AI171 crash.
- 96% of deceased victims' families received Air India's interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh.
- 91% of deceased victims' families received Tata Sons' Rs 1 crore ex-gratia payment.
- 94% of those injured on the ground have received compensation.
- Investigators have not yet released final conclusions on the crash's cause.
- The damaged hostel block where the plane crashed will be demolished and replaced.
Air India and Tata Sons have collectively disbursed nearly Rs 300 crore to the families of victims of the AI171 crash, with the first anniversary of the tragedy approaching. The airline reported that 96% of the deceased victims' families have received Air India's interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh, and 91% have received Tata Sons' Rs 1 crore ex-gratia payment. Furthermore, 94% of individuals injured on the ground have received compensation, with ongoing discussions for final settlements.
Families of the 260 people killed in the crash are still seeking answers about the incident, with investigators yet to publish final conclusions. A preliminary report indicated that the Boeing 787's engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF', starving both engines of fuel shortly after takeoff. The father of the flight's captain has asked India's top court to order an independent investigation, pushing back against suggestions his son could be blamed.
The damaged hostel buildings where the plane crashed remain closed, and the Gujarat state government has stated the block will be demolished and replaced with a new building, with funding assistance from the Tata Group. For many families, the anniversary sharpens painful memories and grief, with some relying on compensation from Tata Trusts.