Air India Offers Immediate Support to Families Affected by Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Support for Victims' Families

Mumbai: On Saturday, Air India declared its intention to provide an interim payment of ₹25 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives and to the survivors of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.

This interim assistance is in addition to the ₹1 crore compensation previously announced by Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members, tragically crashed in the Meghaninangar region shortly after departing from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of 270 people, including 241 passengers.

In a video message, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated, "To provide immediate financial support, Air India will be making an interim payment of ₹25 lakh, or roughly £21,000, to each family of the deceased and to the survivors."

He emphasized that this payment is in addition to the ₹1 crore, approximately £85,000, already pledged by Tata Sons.

On Thursday, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced that the Group would provide ₹1 crore to the families of each individual who lost their life in the Ahmedabad crash.

Wilson mentioned that over 200 trained caregivers have been deployed, ensuring that each family receives dedicated assistance along with access to counseling and other necessary services.

The process of reuniting the next of kin with their loved ones and their personal belongings has commenced. "Our teams are collaborating closely with families and authorities to facilitate this reunification process," the Air India chief stated.

He also noted that Air India is conducting precautionary safety checks on its Boeing 787 aircraft, as mandated by the DGCA.

"We will complete all checks within the timelines set by the regulator, which has been confirmed by the authorities," he added.

Additionally, he confirmed that the aircraft's data recorder has been retrieved, which will be integral to the official investigation, and assured that Air India is fully cooperating with the ongoing inquiries.