Tata Chief Apologises for Air India Crash, Promises Support and Transparency
Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran has publicly apologised for the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad that claimed over 270 lives, expressing deep sorrow and calling for patience until the official investigation concludes. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Times Now, Chandrasekaran said he had no words to console the grieving families and promised that Air India would stand by them during this difficult time.
“It is an extremely difficult situation,” Chandrasekaran said. “I deeply regret that this accident happened in a Tata-run airline. We will do everything we can to support the families now and in the future.”
The fatal crash occurred on June 12 when a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171, crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has since launched a probe, while a high-level committee has been appointed by the government. Chandrasekaran estimated it could take up to a month for preliminary findings to emerge.
Addressing speculation about the cause, the Tata chief urged the public not to jump to conclusions. “There are many theories—human error, technical failure, engine issues—but what we know so far is that AI171 had a clean record,” he said.
According to Chandrasekaran, the aircraft’s right engine was replaced with a new one in March 2025, while the left engine was serviced in 2023 and not due for maintenance until December 2025. Both were operating within safe parameters. He also highlighted the experience and professionalism of the flight crew, noting that Captain Sabharwal had logged over 11,500 flying hours and First Officer Clive Kundar over 3,400.
On regulatory matters, Chandrasekaran clarified that earlier show-cause notices and penalties imposed on Air India were unrelated to AI171 or safety concerns. “If there had been a safety issue, the DGCA would not have allowed us to fly,” he added.
In response to speculation about Turkish Technic’s involvement in maintenance, Chandrasekaran firmly stated that none of Air India’s 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are serviced by the Turkish firm. Instead, maintenance is handled by AIESL or Singapore’s SIA Engineering Company.
Responding to former civil aviation minister Praful Patel’s criticism of Singapore Airlines’ silence, Chandrasekaran defended the airline as a supportive partner. “Singapore Airlines has always helped us—sharing best-in-class processes, safety standards, and customer service benchmarks. Their CEO is in constant touch with me even now,” he said.
Regarding Boeing whistleblower reports related to the 787 Dreamliner’s manufacturing quality, Chandrasekaran acknowledged the ongoing investigations in the US but maintained that Air India’s existing fleet of 787s had shown no red flags in safety checks. “We already had 27 787s when we took over Air India. So far, we’ve had no issues,” he said.
Following the crash, Air India has faced flight delays and cancellations, leading to passenger frustration. Chandrasekaran admitted that communication needed improvement. “In the last six days, 5 to 18 flights have been cancelled daily, out of over 1,100. But we must communicate better,” he said, noting that a strategic communications team has been deployed recently.
He also confirmed that he had spoken directly with senior executives at Boeing and GE, requesting immediate assessments of their aircraft and engine performance.
“We are doing everything possible—internally and externally—to get to the truth and ensure the safety of our passengers moving forward,” Chandrasekaran concluded.
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