Summary
- Lok Sabha pays tribute to 260 victims of the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad.
- Preliminary probe highlights cockpit confusion and engine fuel cut-off issues.
- MPs demand answers on black box findings, safety lapses, and tampering concerns.
A Session Marked by Mourning and Unanswered Questions
The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on a sombre note Monday as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led tributes to the 260 victims of the June 12 Air India AI-171 crash, one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters. The flight, which was headed from Ahmedabad, crashed into a hostel shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and dozens of passengers, including families and students.
All party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, observed a moment of silence in Parliament to honor the victims. This rare gesture of unity underscored the gravity of the tragedy and the mounting national concern over aviation safety.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has since been under pressure to deliver answers, with at least 22 Members of Parliament raising pointed questions regarding the status of the investigation, the retrieval of the black box, and the potential lapses that might have caused the crash.
Monsoon session of Parliament begins by paying tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the Air India AI-171 plane crash. #AirIndiaFlightCrash #AI171 #Parliament #PahalgamAttack pic.twitter.com/SOmLV4P71F
— Ashoke Raj (@Ashoke_Raj) July 21, 2025
Investigative Hurdles and Rising Political Scrutiny
- AAIB’s preliminary findings point to cockpit confusion moments before the crash.
- Concerns over the position of the engine fuel cut-off switches have surfaced.
- Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu faces demands for detailed updates in Parliament.
The AAIB’s early report revealed troubling signs of disorientation and technical mismanagement in the cockpit before AI-171 went down. Key questions have emerged about whether the engine fuel cut-off switches were positioned correctly and if mechanical failure or human error played the dominant role.
International media coverage of the incident has already sparked controversy, with India accusing certain outlets of spreading “selective and unverified” claims that could compromise the ongoing probe. The AAIB has sought expert input, including veteran pilot Captain RS Sandhu, former Air India Director of Operations, to review technical aspects and examine data from the black box and flight data recorders.
Aviation Safety Under the Lens
- India has recorded 11 Mayday calls in 17 months and 65 in-flight engine shutdowns in five years.
- DGCA may issue new guidelines for inspecting fuel switch locking mechanisms.
- Lawmakers urge reforms to strengthen passenger safety and accountability.
The tragedy has reignited debates around India’s aviation safety standards. With a surge in reported emergencies, including 11 Mayday calls over the last 17 months, opposition leaders are demanding systemic audits of aircraft maintenance protocols and crew training procedures. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to release additional advisories on engine inspections and operational safety within the coming weeks.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
As the Monsoon Session continues, the Air India crash is likely to dominate debates in both Houses. Families of victims have called for full transparency in the investigation and a clear timeline for when the AAIB will release a conclusive report. Aviation experts argue that addressing systemic safety flaws is as critical as identifying the immediate causes of this particular disaster.
The nation mourns not just the loss of 260 lives but also the erosion of public confidence in air safety—a confidence that the government must work urgently to restore.
