TFP Bureau, New Delhi, June 19, 2025: Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, chaired a high-level review meeting focusing on airline safety, passenger facilitation, and overall airline performance following the recent Air India flight incident near Ahmedabad. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is intensifying efforts to ensure operational stability and passenger welfare during this critical period.
Minister Engages with Airport Directors to Strengthen Passenger Support
In a detailed video conference with Airport Directors nationwide, Shri Naidu highlighted the need for close coordination with airlines to promptly resolve passenger grievances. The Minister emphasized ensuring adequate food, water, seating, and staff deployment, especially during delays caused by post-accident checks, adverse weather, or restricted airspace due to geopolitical tensions. Additional directives included enhanced wildlife hazard management to maintain safe airport environments and logistical support to airlines facing operational challenges.
Focused Discussion with Air India Leadership
In a key meeting with Air India’s Chairman and Managing Director, the Minister addressed challenges posed by reduced aircraft availability due to heightened safety checks, Middle East developments, and night-flying bans in Europe. Air India committed to temporarily scaling down operations and restructuring flights, with affected passengers to be rebooked or refunded. The airline was urged to improve ground coordination and communication with passengers to ensure empathetic and clear handling of cancellations and delays.
Meetings with SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa
Further discussions were held with senior officials of SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa Airlines to review fleet performance, safety oversight, passenger experience, and communication strategies. The Ministry announced plans to institutionalize periodic operational reviews with all airlines to enhance coordination and monitoring.
Progress in AAIB Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been actively investigating the Air India flight crash since June 12, 2025, supported by international teams including the U.S. NTSB and aircraft manufacturers in line with ICAO protocols. Multiple black boxes, including Digital Flight Data Recorders and Cockpit Voice Recorders, have been recovered, and evidence collection is complete. Analysis is ongoing with full cooperation from local authorities.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency while urging the public and media to avoid speculation, especially concerning the sensitive technical process of flight recorder analysis. Decisions on whether the black boxes will be decoded abroad will be made by the AAIB after thorough evaluation.
Government’s Commitment to Passenger Safety
Minister Naidu emphasized the importance of a united, responsive approach to maintain passenger trust and uphold operational stability, which remains the cornerstone of India’s aviation sector. The Ministry of Civil Aviation reiterated that passenger safety and comfort are its highest priorities as it continues to monitor the situation closely.
