Image Source: Mint
Key Highlights
Air India has released interim compensation amounting to Rs 25 lakh each, totaling Rs 1.25 crore for 147 families of passengers who died in the June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash
The total number of deceased passengers is 229, plus 19 more who lost their lives at the crash site, making the initial interim compensation release cover 166 families so far
Payments to the families of an additional 52 victims are in process, with documents verified, and will be progressively disbursed in the coming days
The interim compensation is part of immediate financial relief, with adjustments to be made against any final compensation determined later
The Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, has also set up ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ to provide ongoing support, including a Rs 1 crore ex-gratia compensation per deceased victim and aid for affected local infrastructure and first responders
Background of the Tragedy and Compensation Initiative
On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed near Ahmedabad, resulting in one of India’s worst air disasters in decades. Of the 242 people on board, 241 passengers and crew lost their lives, alongside additional casualties on the ground. The scale of the tragedy demanded immediate response and support for victims’ families.
Air India, under the Tata Group umbrella, promptly announced an interim compensation scheme of Rs 25 lakh per family to meet urgent financial needs of the bereaved. This single-window compensation process started releasing payments from June 20, with a dedicated helpdesk facilitating claim verification and documentation.
Details of the Compensation Disbursement
So far, interim payments have been completed for 147 deceased passenger families and 19 families of those who died at the accident site, amounting to over Rs 41 crore disbursed
Documentation and verification for 52 other families have been completed, and compensation is scheduled to be progressively paid out soon
The interim compensation is credited as an advance and will be adjusted against any final settlement or legal compensation determined after formal investigations and claims processes conclude
Air India remains in close communication with families and their legal representatives to ensure timely resolution and support
Additional Support Through Tata Group Initiatives
Recognizing the long-term needs beyond immediate financial relief, the Tata Group has launched ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ with a substantial corpus of around Rs 500 crore. This trust pledges to:
Provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to each bereaved family, supplementing interim compensation
Assist in the reconstruction of the BJ Medical College Hostel, which suffered damage in the crash vicinity
Offer psychological aid and rehabilitation support to first responders, rescue workers, medical professionals, and governmental staff involved in disaster relief operations
Foster ongoing welfare initiatives aimed at strengthening community support systems impacted by the calamity
Humanitarian and Corporate Response
More than 500 volunteers across Air India and affiliated Tata Group companies have contributed their time and skills to assist victims’ families. Each affected family member has access to a dedicated trained caregiver appointed by Air India’s Special Assistance team to provide continuous emotional and logistical support.
Statements from Air India reaffirm the company’s commitment to uphold core values of responsibility, integrity, and care while navigating the complex aftermath of the tragedy. The airline continues to appeal for public sensitivity and caution to avoid misinformation affecting families and the investigation process.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Sustainable Assistance and Closure
As final compensation settlements evolve with regulatory and legal resolutions, Air India and the AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust will continue to play a pivotal role in providing holistic support to victims’ families. This includes financial, social, and emotional aid designed to help affected families rebuild lives after the devastating loss.
This comprehensive approach reflects lessons learned from past tragedies, aiming to achieve transparency, empathy, and fairness in compensatory and welfare efforts.
In summary, Air India’s interim compensation payout of Rs 25 lakh to 147 families totaling Rs 1.25 crore marks a significant step in addressing immediate needs after the Ahmedabad crash. Alongside Tata Group’s supplementary ex-gratia payments and welfare initiatives, the airline and its parent firm demonstrate a sustained commitment to the victims, their families, and the broader community.
Sources: Business Standard, Rediff, Air India Official Newsroom
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