More Than 200 People Killed After Flight AI171 Bound For Gatwick Crashes Moments After Take Off From Ahmedabad

Families should not feel pressured by airline bosses following the Air India crash, say specialist lawyers, as they set out the investigation process.

More than 200 people were killed when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad.  

Reports indicate that of the 242 people on board Air India Flight AI171, only one person, a British national, survived. At least eight people on the ground were also killed, reports say. 

The flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian, according to Air India. 

Families are now providing DNA samples to help identify victims. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the crash site and met with survivors and grieving relatives in hospital.

Specialist aviation law lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, who have supported families affected by previous air disasters including most of the UK families who lost loved one in the Boeing Air Ethiopia crash, have spoken of their concern and called for a thorough investigation into the tragedy. 

Demetrius Danas is a specialist aviation lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.

Expert Opinion

“This is one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent memory. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

“No doubt this will be an upsetting and distressing time for families as they attempt to come to terms with yesterday’s traumatic events.

“While it’s far too early to be discussing possible causes for the crash it’s vital that the most thorough investigations take place to establish the full facts as to how Air India Flight AI171 crashed. It’s vital that the families of those affected are provided with the answers and specialist support they deserve.

“They shouldn’t feel pressured into accepting early settlements without understanding their full legal rights. We strongly advise seeking independent legal advice.” Demetrius Danas

What investigations are under way following the Air India AI171 crash?

Several official inquiries have already begun:
• India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation and has deployed teams to the crash site.

• The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is assisting, given the number of British nationals involved.

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation safety regulator, is conducting a parallel investigation.

• Air India has launched its own internal review.

Demetrius Danas, of Irwin Mitchell, said investigators would examine the black boxes, wreckage pattern, witness accounts, and any available CCTV footage. A preliminary report may be released within weeks, but a full investigation could take up to a year, or even longer.

What support is available for families?

• Helplines have been set up by Air India in India and internationally to assist families. For those calling from outside India the number is: +91 806 277 9200.

• The UK Government said it was working with Indian authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office said British nationals who require consular assistance, or have concerns for friends or family, should call: +91 (11) 2419 2100 (in India) or +44 (0) 20 7008 5000 (in the UK).

• The FCDO added that the Government of Gujarat State has established an emergency centre that can be contacted on: +91 (0) 79 23251900 / +91 (0) 9078405304.

• Air India’s owners have reportedly offered £86,000 to the families of those killed. This is the strict liability compensation under the Montreal Convention, which applies regardless of fault. The Montreal Convention is an international treaty that governs airline liability in the event of injury, death during international air travel. It has been ratified by more than 130 countries, including the UK and India.
Beyond that amount, the airline is liable unless it can prove it was not negligent or that the damage was solely due to a third party.

• Families may be entitled to additional compensation if negligence or fault is established – for example, due to mechanical failure, pilot error, or manufacturing defects.

Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families following air disasters

Irwin Mitchell has decades of experience supporting families affected by air disasters. These include representing the families of Britons who died in the Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max 8 flight in 2019. 

Irwin Mitchell supported families through an inquest in the UK which concluded British nationals who died in the crash were unlawfully killed.

The legal experts, working alongside US aviation lawyers, also brought successful civil claims in the USA against Boeing, where US law was applied to compensation amounts recovered. 

Find out more about our expertise at our dedicated air accidents claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.