New Delhi — Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday that the investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into last year’s Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is progressing steadily, and the final report is expected to be released soon.
The London-bound Boeing 787 flight AI171 crashed seconds after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025. The accident claimed the lives of 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew members on board.
Addressing the Upper House during Question Hour, Naidu said the investigation is moving forward at a strong pace. He noted that the government is providing all necessary resources to the AAIB, the primary agency responsible for conducting the inquiry. According to the minister, the report is likely to be made public before the completion of one year since the crash.
Responding to a supplementary question, Naidu also spoke about ongoing efforts to maintain flight operations to West Asia and assist Indian citizens stranded due to the Iran conflict. He said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) quickly engaged with airlines and issued safety circulars after the situation escalated.
The DGCA has held several meetings with airlines to ensure that flights operate only when there is complete safety for aircraft traveling to West Asian airports. The government has also issued travel advisories to help passengers stay informed and avoid confusion.
Naidu added that airlines are carefully managing flight slots amid the regional crisis. Over the past week, about 90,000 people have been able to travel back to India.
He expressed optimism that the situation in West Asia may improve in the coming days, which could allow more people to travel through civil aviation.
Updating Parliament on future developments in the aviation sector, the minister said the government plans to significantly expand airport infrastructure. Around 50 new airports are planned over the next five years, while about 200 more could be developed over the next two decades.
Naidu emphasized that strengthening civil aviation is essential for national development. He noted that the sector has seen major growth over the past 12 years, with approximately five lakh domestic passengers and one to two lakh international passengers flying daily.
With the planned expansion, India’s total number of airports is expected to reach around 350 in the coming years.
With inputs from IANS