Families of Ahmedabad Air India crash victims demand release of black box data, write to PM Modi

April 5, 2026

Ahmedabad: Nearly ten months after the devastating Air India crash that claimed 260 lives, families of the victims have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release data from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR).

The tragedy involved Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8, which crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The aircraft caught fire, killing 241 passengers and crew members, along with 19 people on the ground. Only one person onboard survived.

Families Seek Answers

Around 30 grieving families from across Gujarat gathered in Ahmedabad on Saturday and submitted a letter to the Prime Minister, urging that the CVR and black box data be made public to determine the cause of the crash. Copies were also sent to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

“We want to know what caused the crash and whether any technical fault was involved,” the families said, adding that if the data cannot be publicly disclosed, it should at least be shared privately with them.

Nilesh Purohit, who lost his 24-year-old son in the crash, said, “My home feels empty now. No compensation can fill this loss. We don’t want money—we just want answers.”

Concerns Over Lack of Support

Several families also raised concerns about inadequate institutional support. Kinjal Patel from Vasad, who lost her mother, criticised Air India’s newly launched portal for retrieving victims’ belongings. “There are over 25,000 items listed, but the images are unclear. It’s extremely difficult to identify anything,” she said.

Romin Vora from Kheda, who lost multiple family members, highlighted communication challenges. “There is only one email ID, and responses can take up to 15 days. Many people in villages are not comfortable using email,” he said, also calling the public display of personal belongings “insensitive.”

The airline has not yet responded to these concerns.

The AAIB submitted its preliminary report in July last year and is expected to release the final findings in June, around the first anniversary of the tragedy.