AIR India has announced that it will provide an interim payment of ₹25 lakh (approximately RM121,116) to the families of each of the 241 passengers who died, and to the sole survivor, following the catastrophic crash of Flight AI-117 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick.
This interim payout is in addition to the ₹1 crore (approximately RM490,233) compensation previously pledged by the airline’s parent company, Tata Sons.
“Air India stands in solidarity with the families of the passengers who tragically lost their lives in the recent accident. Our teams on the ground are doing everything possible to extend care and support during this incredibly difficult time,” The Hindu cited the airline saying in a statement.
The fatal incident occurred on Thursday, 12 June 2025, when the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport. Only one person survived. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
The aircraft took off at 1:38 p.m. and crashed within minutes, striking the B.J. Medical College hostel mess roughly five kilometres from the airport. At the time, over 100 students were present in the dining area. The impact caused a large explosion, with thick smoke billowing into the sky, visible from surrounding areas.
Pilots reportedly issued a Mayday call moments after departure, indicating a critical emergency, but subsequently failed to respond to follow-up communication from air traffic control.
On Friday, investigators recovered the aircraft’s black box from the rooftop of the hostel building. The device is expected to provide crucial data for understanding the cause of the crash.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with injured individuals at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, spending around 20 minutes on location. A full-scale investigation into the accident is now underway, led by aviation authorities and safety experts. - June 15, 2025
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