Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India Announces Rs 25 Lakh For Families As Interim Financial Aid
In the aftermath of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India on Saturday announced an interim financial assistance of ₹25 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives and to the survivor. This payment, aimed at providing immediate relief, comes in addition to the ₹1 crore compensation earlier declared by the airline’s parent company, Tata Sons.
According to a statement issued by Air India, the interim payment of ₹25 lakh (approximately £21,000) is intended “to help address immediate financial needs” of the families affected by the disaster. The airline added, “This is in addition to the ₹1 crore or approximately £85,000 support already announced by Tata Sons.”
Expressing condolences, the airline said, “Air India stands in solidarity with the families of the passengers who tragically lost their lives in the recent accident.” The airline assured that its teams on the ground were “doing everything possible to extend care and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: DGCA Orders Safety Review
The fatal incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers including 12 crew members, crashed in the Meghaninagar area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport. The crash claimed 270 lives, including 241 passengers.
Following the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday mandated enhanced safety inspections of the airline’s 787 aircraft fleet. Air India currently operates a total of 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 planes.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Safety Checks Underway Across 787 Fleet
In response to the DGCA directive, Air India has already conducted one-time safety inspections on nine of its Boeing 787 aircraft. “We are on track to complete this process for the remaining 24 aircraft within the timeline provided by the regulator,” the airline said.
Air India noted that these checks are being carried out as the aircraft return to India and will be cleared for subsequent operations only after inspection. The airline acknowledged that these procedures may lead to increased turnaround times and possible delays on certain long-haul routes, particularly those with airport curfews. It added, “Customers will be duly notified about any delays,” in a post on X.
Air India’s fleet includes 26 older Boeing 787-8s and seven newer 787-9s. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to safety and said it is “in the process of completing the one-time safety checks directed by DGCA.”
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