Office Party After Plane Crash Triggers Outrage, Air India JV Fires 4 Senior Officials
Four senior executives of AISATS, a ground services provider associated with Air India, have been asked to step down after a video showing employees celebrating at the workplace went viral, just days after a deadly air crash involving Air India Flight AI 171.
The incident has triggered strong backlash on social media, with many calling the office party insensitive and ill-timed in light of the recent aviation tragedy that claimed over 250 lives.
Celebration Sparks Outrage After Fatal Crash
The video, reportedly shot at AISATS’ Gurugram office, captured employees engaging in festivities days after the fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The aircraft, en route to London on June 12, crashed moments after take-off in Ahmedabad, killing 259 of the 260 people on board. The plane crashed into a residential wing of BJ Medical College near the airport, leaving only one survivor—an Indian-origin British national seated in seat 11A.
The timing of the AISATS office celebration drew widespread criticism, with many users on social media accusing the company of insensitivity toward the victims and their families.
Company Responds With Disciplinary Measures
In response to the backlash, AISATS confirmed that it has taken strong disciplinary steps. “At AISATS, we stand in solidarity with families affected by the tragic loss of AI 171 and deeply regret the lapse in judgment reflected in a recent internal video,” a company spokesperson stated.
“The behaviour does not align with our values, and firm disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible as we reaffirm our commitment to empathy, professionalism, and accountability,” the spokesperson added.
As a result, four senior officials have been asked to resign, while other staff members have been issued warnings.
About AISATS
AISATS is a 50:50 joint venture between Air India Ltd, part of the Tata Group, and SATS Ltd, a leading provider of gateway services and in-flight catering solutions across Asia.
The company has emphasized that it does not condone actions that reflect poorly on its standards, especially in moments of national mourning and aviation tragedy.
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