India has declined entry to a United Nations aviation expert seeking to join the investigation into the deadly crash of Air India Flight AI171, triggering concerns over transparency and international cooperation. The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that went down shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad Airport, killing 241 people onboard and causing dozens of fatalities on the ground.
Sources revealed that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN-affiliated agency responsible for global air safety standards, had offered to send a representative to serve as an observer in the probe. However, Indian authorities rejected the offer and denied the individual entry, insisting that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation would lead the inquiry independently.
This move has raised international eyebrows, especially as India continues to delay the formal naming of the chief investigator. Nearly two weeks after the tragedy, the AAIB has yet to publicly confirm who will head the probe, although reports suggest former Airbus safety director Dhruv Rebbapragada is under consideration.
Flight recorder data from the cockpit voice and flight data recorders was only retrieved more than ten days after the crash, and Indian authorities have yet to confirm whether the analysis will be done domestically or in cooperation with the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Initial technical evaluations point to potential issues with engine thrust, and the aircraft's emergency power unit may have been active moments before the crash. These details are expected to be elaborated in the preliminary report, which is due by July 12 under international aviation protocols.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that 259 out of the 260 victims have been identified, using DNA testing and facial recognition. This crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 and is one of India’s most devastating aviation disasters in recent memory.
Public confidence in air travel has plummeted since the incident. Airlines in India are reporting a 15–20% decline in ticket bookings, with some experiencing up to 40% cancellations. Therapy centers that address flight anxiety have also seen a dramatic surge in demand.
The Indian government’s decision to block UN participation in the investigation has prompted calls for more openness. Aviation safety experts emphasize that international collaboration enhances the credibility and effectiveness of crash investigations. As the AAIB races against time to deliver its preliminary findings, all eyes remain on whether the process will meet global expectations for transparency and accountability.