Air India announces ₹25 lakh interim relief for Gujarat plane crash victims' families
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Air India has pledged an interim compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the recent Ahmedabad plane crash, as well as for survivors.
This support comes in addition to the ₹1 crore financial aid previously committed by the airline’s parent company, Tata Sons.
The announcement was made by Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson in a video message released on Saturday. “To provide immediate financial support, Air India will be making an interim payment of Rs 25 lakh or approximately 21,000 British pounds to each of the families of the deceased and also to the survivors,” he said.
The move follows Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran’s earlier declaration that the group would extend ₹1 crore (approximately 85,000 British pounds) in compensation to the families of those killed in the crash.
The tragic incident involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday afternoon. A total of 270 people, including 241 passengers, were confirmed dead in the crash, which occurred in the city’s Meghaninagar area.
Wilson also provided updates on Air India’s ongoing support efforts. "Over 200 trained caregivers are now in place, with each family assigned dedicated assistance along with access to counseling and other services,” he said. He added that the process of reuniting families with personal belongings and the remains of their loved ones is underway, with teams coordinating closely with authorities.
In terms of safety, Wilson confirmed that the airline is carrying out comprehensive checks on its Boeing 787 fleet, as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “We will complete all checks within the timelines prescribed by the regulator. This has been confirmed by the authorities,” he stated.
He also noted that the aircraft’s data recorder has been recovered and will be included in the official investigation. “Air India continues to fully cooperate with these investigations,” Wilson said.
