The nation grieves the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad. Same time, concerns have come up over how the airline is handling the compensation process for victims’ families. While the Tata Group and Air India have promised financial help, families and legal experts are worried about certain legal forms that could reduce future payments.
The Crash: A Devastating Toll
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad. The crash killed 274 people, including passengers and people living in the area. There were 242 people on the plane — 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 crew members. Only one person, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin, survived.
Air India said that the passengers included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian.
Tata Group and Air India Announce Compensation
After the crash, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran offered a major relief package:
“Tata Group will provide ₹1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical’s hostel,”
— N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons
Air India also added more help:
“As part of our continued efforts, Air India will be providing an interim payment of ₹25 lakh or approximately 21,000 GBP each to the families of the deceased and to the survivor, to help address immediate financial needs. This is in addition to the ₹1 crore or approximately 85,000 GBP support already announced by Tata Sons,”
— Air India, June 14 statement
The Controversy: Legal Forms and Allegations of Pressure
Even after these offers, a controversy began when families were asked to fill out a detailed legal form before getting compensation.
James Neenan, a partner at UK law firm Stewarts and an expert in air crash cases like MH17 and MH370, raised strong concerns.
“These are questions with serious legal implications. Without representation, families could unknowingly limit the compensation they’re legally entitled to, potentially costing them millions.”
“Families were put in crowded, overheated rooms and told to complete lengthy questionnaires without legal advice or proper explanation. They were made to believe they wouldn’t receive compensation without these forms. That’s false, and it’s unethical.”
(Source- Financial Express)
Neenan also said some Air India staff went to families’ homes and pushed them to sign the forms quickly — a claim that Air India firmly denies.
Air India Responds: “Claims Are False and Wrong”
In a press release on July 4, Air India clearly said that these reports are not true:
“Air India categorically rejects these allegations and refutes them as both unsubstantiated and inaccurate.”
The airline explained that it only needed some basic details to make sure the right people got the money:
“In order to facilitate payments, Air India has sought basic information to establish family relationships to ensure that the advance payments are received by those entitled to them. Whilst the questionnaire does ask family members to indicate with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as to whether they are ‘financially dependent’ on the deceased, Air India believes this is an entirely fair and necessary question.”
Air India also said that filling out the form was not required, and families were free to take legal advice:
“There is no requirement for family members to complete the questionnaire at the Centre. Families are of course free to seek legal advice should they wish to do so.”
A Facilitation Centre was set up at the Taj Skyline Hotel in Ahmedabad on June 15. Where families could fill out the form in person or get it by email. Air India confirmed that it did not send staff to families’ homes to force them to fill out forms. It also added that other paperwork filled at hospitals or morgues had nothing to do with compensation.
Current Status: Payments and Long-Term Support
So far, Air India has sent interim payments to 47 families and is working on releasing money to 55 more. The airline is also talking to other families and their legal representatives to send the money soon.
Air India repeated its support:
“Air India, as part of the Tata Group, upholds core values of integrity and responsibility and remains committed to serving the community, especially during challenging times.”
The Tata Group is also setting up a ₹500 crore (about GBP 43 million) trust to give long-term help to the victims’ families:
“These families will forever be part of the Tata family. All these efforts are voluntary and in addition to any compensation payable by Air India under law.”
Air India and Tata Group have moved quickly to offer financial support after the tragedy. However, the confusion and pressure around legal forms have left many families worried. Experts say people must be given time, space, and legal help before signing anything — especially when the emotional pain is still fresh.
