AAIB Defends Indian Aviation Safety, Slams International Media for ‘Unfounded Facts’

On July 17, 2025, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) issued a rare statement defending the safety of the Indian aviation industry, criticizing international media, notably The Wall Street Journal, for “selective and unverified reporting” on the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The crash, which killed 260 people, prompted global scrutiny, but the AAIB emphasized India’s robust safety record and urged restraint from premature conclusions. The statement counters speculation about pilot error following the preliminary report. By highlighting data-driven safety metrics and ongoing investigations, the AAIB seeks to restore public trust.

Controversy

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash, the deadliest aviation disaster in a decade, occurred 32 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, and 19 on the ground, as per reports. The AAIB’s preliminary report, released July 12, revealed the fuel control switches were moved to “cut-off” post-takeoff, with one pilot questioning the other, who denied the action. This sparked media speculation about pilot error, which the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and ALPA India called “reckless and unfounded.” The AAIB criticized outlets for projecting “unfounded facts,” arguing such reports risk public anxiety.

India’s Aviation Safety Record

India’s aviation sector, the third-largest globally, handles over 1 million passengers daily across 6,900 flights, contributing $53.6 billion to GDP in 2023. The AAIB highlighted a 25% drop in high-risk ‘airprox’ incidents and a 92% reduction in ground-proximity alerts in 2023.DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said that India’s accident rate outperforms the global average, with only two years since 2010 exceeding it, per ICAO data. Despite the AI171 tragedy, the first fatal Boeing 787 crash since 2011, the AAIB stressed it’s a “statistical outlier,” not indicative of systemic failure.

Systemic Challenges and Global Context

Critics argue the AAIB’s autonomy is limited under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, unlike the UK’s independent model, raising conflict-of-interest concerns. India’s rapid aviation growth (10% annually since 2011) strains safety oversight, with incidents like the 2020 Calicut crash (21 deaths) highlighting gaps. Yet, the DGCA’s proactive measures, including post-crash Boeing 787 fleet checks, show commitment to safety. The AAIB’s rebuke of international media underscores India’s push to control its narrative.

A Call for Patience and Trust

The AAIB’s defense of Indian aviation underscores a strong safety framework, backed by data and global standards, despite the AI171 tragedy. By calling out “irresponsible” reporting, it aims to curb misinformation and maintain public confidence. As investigations continue, India’s aviation sector, bolstered by rigorous DGCA oversight and global collaboration, remains resilient. The AAIB’s plea for patience until the final report reflects a commitment to truth over sensationalism, ensuring lessons from AI171 strengthen an already safe industry.

-By Manoj H