Families mark Air India crash anniversary with grief and unanswered questions

A year after Air India Flight AI171 crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, families of the victims gathered at the crash site on Friday to mark the anniversary, still waiting for a definitive explanation of what brought the Boeing 787 Dreamliner down shortly after takeoff.

The crash on June 12, 2025, killed 260 people — 241 passengers and crew on board and 19 people on the ground — making it the world's deadliest air disaster in a decade, as reported by multiple news outlets. Among the dead were 52 British nationals, according to the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron.

Only one passenger, Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the crash; his brother died in the incident.

A community scarred by loss

The crash site in Meghani Nagar, a residential neighborhood near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport, remains a painful reminder for residents. Sita Patni, whose 14-year-old son Aakash was killed when a burning wing fell on her tea stall, told Al Jazeera she still cannot bear the sound of aircraft overhead. “When she hears jumbo jets landing or taking off from the city’s airport right next to the locality, she lowers her face to hide her tears,” the report said.

Suresh Patni, Aakash’s father, visited the site on the anniversary to pay tribute, telling AFP: “We are here today only to remember him on his first death anniversary. He was a good student and could have done really well for himself.” He commemorated his son with a framed photograph and a life-size cutout, decorated with flowers and surrounded by scattered rose petals and lit lamps.

In London, Sagar Patel remembers his last conversation with his mother, Hasumatiben Patel, who was returning to the UK after visiting family in India. “We’ve lost literally the heart of the family,” he told The Guardian. “After losing my dad, the next person I looked up to was my mum. She was my rock.”

Investigation and interim report expected

Indian authorities are expected to issue an interim report in the coming days, more than a year after the crash. Relatives had hoped for a final disclosure, but media reports, citing unnamed sources, suggest investigators will delay issuing a final report, citing the need to complete an analysis of the plane’s engines.

Under international aviation rules, a final report is due “if possible” within a year of an accident; if an investigation takes longer, an interim statement should be issued on each anniversary.

A preliminary report suggested possible pilot error, as the fuel supply to the jet’s engines was cut off moments before impact. The crash was the world’s first airliner crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model in service since 2011.

Mike Andrews, an aviation attorney representing about 135 affected families, said relatives had faced “roadblocks” from Air India while seeking information about the crash.

Official tributes

British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron attended a memorial ceremony at the crash site on Friday, offering floral tributes. “One year ago today, the tragic Air India crash claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals,” she said in a post on X. “I will never forget arriving in Ahmedabad and visiting the site on that day. My thoughts are with all the families affected.”

She later participated in a prayer meet at BJ Medical College, where four MBBS students were among those killed when the plane struck their hostel.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the victims.

Key claims

  • The crash occurred on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people — 241 on board and 19 on the ground.
  • Only one passenger, Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived; his brother died in the crash.
  • A preliminary report suggested possible pilot error, as the fuel supply to the jet’s engines was cut off moments before impact.
  • Indian authorities are expected to issue an interim report in the coming days.
  • 52 British nationals were among the victims.
  • Relatives of victims have faced roadblocks from Air India while seeking information about the crash.