On the first anniversary of the Air India Flight AI-171 disaster, family members of the victims returned to the crash site in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar area on Friday, 12 June 2025, to pay tribute to their loved ones. The gathering brought together grieving relatives, local residents, and officials — one year after the crash claimed nearly 260 lives and became one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.

Grief That Has Not Faded

Among those who visited the site was Kajal, a relative of victim Akash, who recounted the harrowing moments of that day. She described learning of the crash and rushing to the area, only to discover the aircraft had come down directly in front of her mother's hotel.

'My brother was sleeping there when the crash occurred. I used to live nearby and came to know that a plane had crashed. When I reached the area, I realised that the accident had taken place in front of my mother's hotel. I immediately called my sister and grandmother and asked them to check on my mother and brother. However, no one initially told me that my brother Akash had been affected,' she said, struggling to hold back emotions.

Kajal added that her mother had tried to save Akash after the aircraft struck the area but was unable to reach him in time. 'My brother lost his life in the incident,' she said.

Families Frustrated Over Lack of Progress

Another family member, Gurdeep Singh, voiced deep frustration over the pace of developments since the crash. 'A year has passed since the crash, but nothing significant has been done in this regard,' he said. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among victim families, who continue to seek accountability, answers, and lasting remembrance.

Notably, while an initial investigation report has been released, the final report is still awaited. Questions surrounding possible pilot actions, technical failures, and the fuel cutoff switch theory remain under active examination by investigators.

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster. Senior officials from the British High Commission visited the crash site on Friday afternoon. Ahead of their visit, security arrangements were tightened, with police personnel and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) conducting extensive checks in the area.

Air India Denies Compensation Pressure Allegations

Air India has denied allegations that families of the victims are being pressured to sign legal waivers in exchange for compensation. The Tata Group-owned airline stated there is 'absolutely no deadline or pressure' on anyone to accept its final settlement offer.

The clarification followed allegations by the daughter of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the 260 people killed in the crash. She claimed the airline was exerting pressure on families to sign legal documents related to compensation claims — an allegation the airline has firmly denied.

What Happened on 12 June 2025

The Air India Flight AI-171 disaster occurred on 12 June 2025, when the London Gatwick-bound aircraft crashed into a medical hostel complex in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar area shortly after take-off. The accident claimed nearly 260 lives, including passengers, crew members, and people on the ground. As the tragedy marks one year, families continue to await the final investigation report, justice, and closure.