Air India denies pressuring AI-171 victims' families over compensation claims

Air India has denied allegations that families of victims of the AI-171 crash are being pressured to accept compensation settlements, saying there is "absolutely no deadline or pressure" to sign agreements.

The clarification came after Radhika Mishra, daughter of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, raised concerns about the airline's compensation process and its impact on families' legal rights.

In a letter accessed by media organisations, the airline said there is "absolutely no deadline or pressure" on families to accept its final compensation offer. Air India maintained that relatives of victims are free to wait for the completion of the official crash investigation before deciding whether to accept any settlement.

The clarification comes after Mishra alleged that families were being asked to waive their legal rights to pursue future claims against Air India or the aircraft manufacturer in exchange for compensation.

She urged the airline to remove provisions that could be interpreted as limiting families' legal options before the investigation's findings are known.

Air India said the indemnity clause included in the settlement documents is a standard legal requirement and does not amount to coercion. The airline reiterated that accepting compensation is voluntary and that families can take the time they need before making a decision.

The AI-171 crash occurred on June 12, 2025, when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. The accident claimed 260 lives, including passengers, crew members and people on the ground. Vijay Rupani was among the victims.

Air India said it has already provided interim assistance to affected families through compensation measures and support initiatives established after the tragedy. The airline also noted that the final settlement process remains open and that no family is required to make an immediate decision.

The issue has reignited debate over how compensation claims should be handled while the official investigation into one of India's deadliest aviation disasters is still underway.

Families of some victims have argued that final decisions on compensation should ideally come after investigators determine the cause of the crash.