Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson has confirmed that senior airline officials attended the funerals of all crew members who lost their lives in the tragic June 12 crash of flight AI171. He strongly denied rumours circulating on social media suggesting that the airline’s leadership was absent from these ceremonies.
“We have had senior representation at each and every one,” Wilson wrote in a message to employees, adding that the management chose to maintain a low profile out of respect for the grieving families. The goal, he said, was to avoid causing any disturbance during such sensitive moments.
Wilson reaffirmed Air India’s full support for the families of the deceased, saying, “These families are now Tata families,” echoing a statement earlier made by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran. Around 500 employees from Air India and 17 other Tata Group companies are currently in Ahmedabad, providing assistance to the families of passengers, crew, and local residents affected by the crash.
The CEO also warned against the spread of false information and plagiarism on social media and other platforms. He noted that some individuals had shared incorrect statements, including copied or edited content that falsely represented the airline’s actions. Wilson urged everyone to be cautious of such plagiarised and misleading content, which only adds to the pain and confusion during an already difficult time.
The crash of flight AI171, which had 242 people on board, resulted in 241 deaths, including 10 cabin crew members, 2 pilots, and 34 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash. Wilson said the airline is fully cooperating and providing all necessary information. “We will not speculate. It’s important that the facts are known so we and the entire industry can learn from them,” he said.
To ensure safety, Air India has conducted additional checks on its Boeing 787 fleet as directed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline has also started voluntary pre-flight checks for all aircraft. “If there’s any doubt, we will not allow that aircraft to fly,” Wilson said firmly.
Due to these safety measures and restricted airspace over West Asia and Pakistan, Air India has temporarily reduced international flights. From June 21 to July 15, routes like Delhi-Nairobi, Amritsar-London (Gatwick), and Goa-London (Gatwick) will be suspended, along with reduced frequencies on several others.
Despite these challenges, Wilson said the airline’s long-term goals remain unchanged. “Our aim: whether it’s safety, service, or professionalism, remains stronger than ever,” he said, urging staff to stay focused, avoid distractions, and always act with care and responsibility.
“We must continue to perform our roles with full dedication, focus on safety, and always care for our customers and each other,” he concluded.
