New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday sought a progress report within three weeks from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on its fact-finding inquiry into the June 12, 2025 crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people, including 241 passengers on board.
A bench of the apex court directed that a detailed status update be placed on record, along with clarity on whether procedures mandated under international aviation norms, including the Chicago Convention protocol, are being followed in the ongoing investigation.
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The crash involved a Boeing 787 aircraft bound for London Gatwick, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport. According to earlier submissions, the aircraft reportedly lost thrust within seconds of departure and crashed into a medical students’ hostel, leading to one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
During the hearing, the Solicitor General informed the court that certain critical aircraft components had to be sent overseas for specialised forensic and technical examination, which contributed to the time taken in the investigation. He assured the bench that the fact-finding exercise is nearing completion and that the report would be finalised soon.
The court, however, emphasised the need for transparency and adherence to established global protocols in aircraft accident investigations. It sought specific details on the procedural steps taken so far, particularly in light of India’s international commitments under the Chicago Convention framework governing civil aviation safety and accident probes.
The June 12 tragedy sent shockwaves across the country and abroad. Of the 260 fatalities, 241 were passengers on board, while the remaining victims were on the ground at the crash site. The incident triggered widespread scrutiny of safety standards, aircraft maintenance procedures and regulatory oversight mechanisms.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had earlier initiated a parallel regulatory review into airline compliance and safety audits, even as the AAIB continued its technical investigation focused on determining the exact sequence of events that led to the loss of thrust and subsequent crash.
Legal experts said the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the gravity of the matter and the importance of ensuring that the investigation meets both domestic and international benchmarks. The bench made it clear that the progress report must include the status of evidence collection, analysis of flight data and cockpit voice recorders, and coordination with foreign agencies involved in component testing.
Families of victims have been closely tracking the proceedings, seeking timely disclosure of findings and accountability where warranted. The court’s direction is expected to bring greater clarity on the timeline for submission of the final investigation report.
The matter will now be taken up after three weeks, when the court will examine the progress report and assess the next course of action.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
