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Air India CEO Says Boeing 787 Fleet Safe After AI171 Crash

June 21, 2025, 12:33 pm

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Friday assured the public, passengers, and staff that Boeing 787 aircraft operated by the airline are safe to fly. His statement comes after the disastrous AI171 crash that took the lives of 241 individuals, including ex-Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Discussing safety issues, Wilson stated the airline had performed all the extra precautionary checks that India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), had asked for and reiterated Air India’s adherence to strict standards and prudence.

“Have our planes been certified as safe? Yes. We have run the additional precautionary checks on our flying Boeing 787 fleet as asked by the DGCA, who have officially stated that they are up to required standards,” Wilson said.

We have also, as a precaution, voluntarily chosen to maintain further pre-flight checks for now. Where there is any uncertainty, we will not dispatch aircraft of any sort for service.”

AI171 Crash: Nation in Mourning, Airline Offers Full Support

The AI171 flight, which was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner headed to London, crashed just minutes after leaving the ground on June 12 into the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar locality. The crash killed 241 of the 242 people on board and had a harrowing effect on families and the aviation community.

Wilson conveyed deep sorrow and stressed that the airline, as well as the Tata Group, will remain by the side of the victims’ families and impacted employees during and after the crisis.

We remain mourning the loss of life in the AI171 tragedy and continue to assist those who have been impacted. Approximately 500 Air India and 17 other Tata group colleagues are still in Ahmedabad to assist the families of crew, passengers, and ground staff,” he stated.

“Reconciliation is underway, in collaboration with the authorities, with families and loved ones, and as of this morning, over 200 have been provided with some measure of comfort and closure.”

He went on to say, “We will be continuing to support those impacted long after Ahmedabad work is completed, for, as our Chairman has indicated, these families are Tata families now.”

Support to Staff and Families to Resume

Wilson also spoke about concerns regarding the perceived absence of Air India representation at memorial ceremonies, making clear that the carrier has high-ranking officials attending each ceremony, without disturbing mourning families.

This is just as much the case for those of our colleagues, whom we will also be helping in the same fashion. You might have seen social media posts expressing concern at the apparent lack of Air India representation at the services held for our colleagues. I can tell you that we have had senior representation at every single one.

He said that the staff who work in Ahmedabad have been given mandatory rest and confidential professional counselling services.

“The professional, confidential counselling services are still available to all of you, and I urge you to take advantage of them,” he further added.

Crash Under Investigation, No Speculation Allowed

Wilson refused to speculate on what might have caused the crash, saying the matter is being dealt with by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

“What occurred? There are numerous theories, but since the accident is now officially under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, it’s not our place to comment or speculate,” he said.

“We are supplying all information being asked of the AAIB and are cooperating fully.”

He added that although ultimate reports can take months, progress reports can be made available if urgent safety modifications are indicated.

Flight Reductions and Future Plans

A result of prolonged pre-flight inspections and additional airspace prohibitions across the Middle East and Pakistan, Wilson assured a temporary drop in Air India’s planned flights.

“Those extra pre-flight checks we’re undertaking minimizes the amount of hours aircraft are available to fly, which — also taking into account the additional flight time from new Middle Eastern airspace closures, above the Pakistan closure — is why we’ve decided to take flying down over the next few weeks,” he said.

“We will gradually rebuild when the time is appropriate.”

Vijay Rupani Gets State Funeral Today, 1-Day Mourning Declared

June 16, 2025, 1:31 pm

Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, will receive a state funeral in Rajkot today as the government observes a one-day mourning in his honour. Authorities identified him among the victims of the tragic Air India Dreamliner crash.

After conducting an intense three-day DNA verification process, officials confirmed his death and prepared for his final rites. This ceremony marks a moment of profound public grief and collective tribute across Gujarat.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi personally visited Rupani’s family to offer support and ensured that all arrangements honour the late leader’s legacy. Meanwhile, thousands have gathered in Rajkot to bid farewell to the BJP veteran.

#WATCH | Ahmedabad | Former CM Vijay Rupani’s wife, Anjali Rupani, bids an emotional farewell to her husband pic.twitter.com/5FkneNWKG4

— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2025

#WATCH | Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel lays a wreath as he pays last respects to former CM Vijay Rupani, who died in Air India plane crash pic.twitter.com/yJLvMrZxJ9

— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2025

DNA Confirms the Body of Vijay Rupani

After three days of intensive forensic analysis, officials finally confirmed that the Air India crash claimed the life of Vijay Rupani. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced the news on Sunday, stating that DNA testing had officially verified the former chief minister’s identity.

Meanwhile, forensic teams worked tirelessly to match the victims’ DNA with samples collected from their families. In several cases, including Vijay Rupani’s, experts had to repeat the tests due to insufficient DNA material. As a result, authorities followed strict verification procedures and contacted the relatives only after confirming the matches.

The crash took place on June 12, shortly after the flight departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. At that moment, Vijay Rupani was flying to London to reunite with his wife and daughter. Shockingly, out of the 242 people on board, only one survived.

Ultimately, the tragic incident sent shockwaves across India and marked one of the most devastating aviation disasters in the country’s history.

Vijay Rupani’s Funeral Arrangements

The Gujarat government confirmed Vijay Rupani’s death and immediately declared a one-day state mourning in his honour. Officials will conduct his last rites in Rajkot on Monday with full state honours. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited Rupani’s residence and personally informed his family of the identification.

Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel assured that the government would take charge of all funeral arrangements according to the family’s wishes. State MLA Reenaben Patel reported that hundreds of supporters and well-wishers have already gathered in Rajkot, prepared to bid farewell to the respected leader.

The government has planned a dignified farewell that recognises Rupani’s service to the state, with his wife and family members set to attend the final rites.

How ‘12/06’ Followed Vijay Rupani, From Vehicle Number Plates to His Final Day

June 13, 2025, 12:14 pm

For Gujarat’s former chief minister, Vijay Rupani, the number 1206 was a symbol of fortune, a silent companion through the years. He believed in it with a tender faith. The registration plates of all his vehicles – scooters and cars – had 1206 on them.

Friends and relatives say it had always been his lucky charm, but fate gave it a cruel twist. On June 12, 12/06 – the same number that followed him for decades marked the day his journey ended.

Tragedy on a Rescheduled Journey

Rupani was aboard the AI flight that crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad. He was en route to London to meet his wife and daughter, but never arrived. The ex-CM, now the party in charge of Punjab, had put off his visit to the UK from June 5 to 12, owing to the Ludhiana West bypoll on June 19, said Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar.

“This is very unfortunate. This is how destiny and fate play out that he came into harm’s way. He was to leave along with his wife on June 5, but rescheduled his visit to campaign for the Ludhiana West bypoll,” Jakhar told TOI.

In Rajkot, the city ex-CM Vijay Rupani had served and loved, the news settled like a slow, heavy fog. He wasn’t just a political figure – he was a familiar face, a neighbour, a man who had time for everyone.

Vijay Rupani: Known for Humility and Accessibility

Those who knew him remember his humility more than his achievements. He had been instrumental in key development works – the new airport, AIIMS – but it was his quiet presence, his unwavering availability, that left a deeper mark. “He was a tall neta, yes,” said Sanjay Mehta, a neighbour.

“But he lived like one of us. Always kind. Always ready to help. You’d never know he held such a big position. To us, he was Vijaybhai – our neighbour, friend.”

Politicians from across the political spectrum condoled Rupani’s death and paid tribute. Authorities involved in rescue and relief operations confirmed he was among the dead.

Family in Shock as Final Rites Await

His nephew Mehul Rupani said, “The family is devastated to know about the sad demise of uncle. Anjali aunty (Rupani’s wife) and her daughter are returning from London, as are other relatives from the US. We will follow the processes as advised by the government to take custody of his mortal remains. Family is in shock.”

Rupani’s assistant, Shailesh Mandaliya, who dropped him off at the airport, said, “A Few minutes after dropping him, we heard the news.”

Born on Aug 2, 1956, in Yangon, Myanmar, into a Jain family, Rupani was the seventh and youngest child. His family moved to Rajkot in 1960 due to political instability in Myanmar.

Air India Ahmedabad Crash: ‘Mayday’ Call Before Tragedy, 61 Foreigners Onboard

June 12, 2025, 5:13 pm

An Air India Ahmedabad flight going from Ahmedabad to London crashed just minutes after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people, including the former Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani.

Sources say that around 100 bodies have been recovered so far. Serious concerns over flight safety have been raised by the disaster, which has prompted a significant emergency reaction.

Air India Ahemdabad Flight AI171 Crashed Minutes After Takeoff

Flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM. Within five minutes, it lost altitude and crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar. Reports say the plane had reached about 825 feet before suddenly dropping.

Traumatic! pic.twitter.com/W1DwEKi33c

— Rim (@Yashirama_) June 12, 2025

Firefighters and medical teams quickly reached the crash site. Meanwhile, thick smoke rose from the area and was visible from afar. To aid rescue efforts, authorities deployed over 24 ambulances to transport injured passengers to nearby hospitals. Consequently, they halted airport operations and sealed off the area.

The flight carried 232 passengers, including 2 infants, along with 10 crew members. Among them, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian. The flight was scheduled to land at London Gatwick at 6:25 PM UK time.

Following the crash, the Civil Aviation Ministry launched an investigation. Officials already stationed in Ahmedabad began gathering information immediately. The flight was operated by Captain Sumit Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kunder.

Vijay Rupani, Ex-CM, Among the Passengers

Reports indicate that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on board the flight, listed as passenger number 12. Rupani served as Gujarat’s CM from 2016 to 2021 and held several significant roles in both state and national politics.

Originally born in Myanmar (then Rangoon), Rupani moved to India and rose through the ranks of the BJP. Over the years, he served as Rajkot’s mayor, a cabinet minister, and a member of the Rajya Sabha.

In response to the tragedy, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran stated, “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171… was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families.” Gautam Adani added, “We are shocked and deeply saddened… Our hearts go out to the families.”

A helpline number has been started for families: 1800 5691 444. Support teams are working to help those affected. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is now operational with limited flights. Passengers are requested to connect with the airlines for updated information. Please follow our social media channels for updates.

Vijay Rupani Was on Air India Flight to London, Had Seat 2D, Confirms His Aide From UK

June 12, 2025, 5:06 pm

Unconfirmed reports have surfaced that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been onboard the Air India Dreamliner that tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Saturday. The flight was bound for London, and rescue operations are currently underway.

Vijay Rupani Reportedly Onboard Crashed Flight to London

Nitin Bhardwaj is a close aide of Rupani, who is presently in London. Bhardwaj confirmed that Rupani was scheduled to travel on the same flight and had planned to visit his daughter.

“He was coming to meet his daughter and was traveling alone,” said Bhardwaj. He added that attempts to contact Rupani have been unsuccessful. “Vijaybhai is not picking up our calls, so the investigation is on,” he told the outlet.

Vijay Rupani Was on Air India Flight to London, Had Seat 2D, Confirms Nitin Bhardwaj From UK.

The Last Flight…💔

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani seen onboard just before the plane crash. pic.twitter.com/NMpOZYB5PG

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) June 12, 2025

Search for Confirmation Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Although officials have not released the full passenger list publicly, Bhardwaj stated that Vijay Rupani was confirmed to be on the flight. Emergency services are continuing search and rescue operations at the crash site, and no updates about Rupani’s condition have been officially confirmed yet.

Bhardwaj said during his conversation with Divya Bhaskar that “the investigation is ongoing regarding the current situation.” Efforts to reach Rupani or confirm his safety remain a priority for his close contacts and family.