The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed insurers to fast-track insurance claims related to the Air India Flight 171 crash, waiving requirements such as FIRs and post-mortem reports where official confirmation of death is available.
“Ensure that no claim is denied or delayed on account of procedural formalities in the case of confirmed deceased individuals from the passenger list and persons at the affected buildings of the crash area,” IRDAI stated in an advisory issued to all insurers, reinsurers, and industry councils.
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265 Dead After Air India Flight Crashes Near Ahmedabad
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London, crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 265 lives, including 229 passengers and 12 crew members.
A public passenger list has since been released. As international travel mandates overseas medical insurance, insurers have been asked to cross-check victims’ identities with their own databases and initiate immediate claim processing for life, health, and accident policies.
Dedicated Joint Cell to Assist Victims’ Families
IRDAI has recommended that a joint cell, managed by both the Life Insurance Council and General Insurance Council, be set up at the hospital where crash victims are being treated. The cell will serve as a central coordination point to assist families, disseminate claim-related information, and support health and life insurance settlements.
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Each insurance company is required to appoint a senior-level nodal officer to liaise with this joint cell and ensure efficient handling of their customers’ claims.
Insurers to Submit Weekly Updates Starting June 16
To maintain transparency, insurers must submit weekly progress reports to IRDAI starting June 16, 2025, for one month. Both insurance councils will also publish summary-level claim settlement data by insurer on their websites.
Claims are to be paid directly to the nominee recorded in each policy. IRDAI emphasized that procedural delays must not hinder compensation to families of victims.