New Delhi, July 16, 2025 —Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has defended the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) following intense scrutiny by Western media into the Air India AI171 plane crash that claimed the lives of 260 people, including 241 passengers.
The ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed into a building shortly after takeoff, sparking global shock and grief. While global media houses like The Wall Street Journal and Reuters were quick to publish damning reports, Minister Naidu has strongly urged patience till the release of the final report of the AAIB.
‘Let the probe be completed,’ says aviation minister
“There is no point in jumping to conclusions in haste,” Naidu said on Sunday, reacting to growing criticism from foreign media houses. “I have full faith in the AAIB. They have done a brilliant job in decoding the black boxes in India itself. It is not responsible to speculate before the final report is out.”
He also pointed out how some Western media houses may have a “vested interest” in publishing the findings prematurely. “The AAIB appeals to all, especially the Western media, to refrain from speculating. Let the facts come out,” Naidu added.
What the AAIB’s preliminary report reveals
The AAIB’s preliminary probe report, released on July 12, sheds shocking light on the final moments of flight AI171. According to the 15-page document, both the engines’ fuel control switches inexplicably moved from “run” to “cutoff” position within a second, causing a sudden loss of altitude and the fatal crash.
In a cockpit voice recording, one pilot is heard asking the other why the fuel was turned off – a question the other refused to answer. No mechanical fault was found in the plane, and the report blamed no one. Significantly, the AAIB neither identified any of the pilots nor gave concrete reasons for the change.
Indian Pilots Federation criticises Western media
Supporting the government’s stance, Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) president Captain CS Randhawa hit out at The Wall Street Journal and Reuters. He accused them of “publishing conclusions not based on factual material” and misrepresenting the AAIB’s preliminary findings.
Captain Randhawa said in a press statement, “I fully blame the Wall Street Journal for misleading the public. They are not investigators. Their reporting lacks factual content and draws conclusions that are not supported by the AAIB report.”
The FIP has issued legal notices to both media houses, demanding a formal press statement and an apology for their alleged incorrect reporting. “We have sought a clear explanation. If they do not comply, we will consider further legal options,” warned Randhawa.
Call for responsible journalism
As investigations into one of India’s worst aviation accidents continue, government officials and aviation professionals are calling for responsible journalism.
Minister Naidu stressed, “Let us respect the process. The AAIB team is working diligently, and until their final report is released, speculation will not do justice to the victims or the aviation community.”
The tragic crash of Air India flight number AI171 has raised serious questions on aviation safety, investigation transparency and media ethics. Although the AAIB’s preliminary findings indicate possible pilot error, no definitive conclusions have been drawn yet. With tensions rising between Indian aviation authorities and international media houses, all eyes are on the AAIB’s final report for clarity and conclusions.
Until then, Indian authorities urge patience, respect for the process and avoidance of fictional accounts that may distort facts and obstruct justice.