More time needed for deadly Air India crash inquiry, officials say

Investigation continues

India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) provided an update on Friday, the first anniversary of the crash, stating that "significant progress" has been made in analyzing evidence but the work is ongoing. The exact cause of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash remains unknown, and no date for the final report has been given.

The disaster occurred on 12 June 2025, when the Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed about 6km from the airport shortly after takeoff, hitting a building used as doctor's accommodation and causing an explosion. It killed 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals and 53 Britons. The sole survivor was Viswashkumar Ramesh from Leicester.

Preliminary findings

A preliminary report published on 12 July last year found that seconds after takeoff, fuel-control switches abruptly moved to the "cut-off" position, starving the engines of fuel and causing total power loss. Cockpit audio recordings captured one pilot asking the other why he had done it, with the other replying he had not. Investigators did not identify which pilot made which statement.

Following the preliminary report, media reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters suggested that the investigation was focusing on the senior pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, alleging cockpit recordings indicated he cut the fuel flow. This sparked strong backlash from pilots' associations in India, which defended the late pilot and criticized the coverage.

The AAIB statement emphasized that the sole purpose of the investigation is to enhance aviation safety through lessons and recommendations, not to apportion blame. The final report will be released after all investigative activities and international review processes are complete.