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Amid public concern and media speculation over the Air India AI171 crash near Ahmedabad that killed 241 people, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Thursday denied reports that the aircraft’s black boxes were being sent abroad for analysis, assuring that the decision would be based solely on technical assessments.

In a statement, the ministry said, “It has been reported in certain media outlets that the CVR/DFDR from the ill-fated AI171 flight is being sent abroad for retrieval and analysis. The decision regarding the location for decoding the flight recorders will be taken by the AAIB after due assessment of all technical, safety, and security considerations.”

It further urged restraint in coverage of the ongoing probe, emphasising the seriousness of the matter. “The Ministry of Civil Aviation urges all stakeholders to refrain from speculation on such sensitive matters and to allow the investigative process to proceed with the seriousness and professionalism it warrants,” it said.

This comes as reports claimed that one or both of the flight recorders may be sent abroad for detailed analysis. 

MoCA Launches Safety and Performance Review

In the aftermath of the Air India AI171 tragedy near Ahmedabad, the Civil Aviation Ministry has launched a wide-ranging review of safety, airline performance, and passenger services. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu chaired several meetings in New Delhi to assess operational readiness, including a high-level consultation with the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India.

The Minister underscored the importance of maintaining operational continuity, strengthening transparent communication, and prioritising passenger safety and convenience. Given the backdrop of reduced aircraft availability due to ongoing safety checks and geopolitical disruptions such as airspace closures in parts of Europe and the Middle East, Air India has been advised to temporarily scale down operations. The airline is expected to restructure flights, inform passengers through the media, and ensure either rebooking or full refunds for affected travellers.

MoCA also held consultations with senior management teams of SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa Air on 18 and 19 June to evaluate fleet performance, safety oversight, and passenger experience. The Minister announced that periodic operational reviews with all airlines will be institutionalised to ensure coordinated performance monitoring.

Ram Mohan Naidu conducted a video conference with all Airport Directors across India, issuing directives aimed at strengthening ground-level readiness in light of disruptions triggered by the crash, weather shifts, and restricted airspace usage. Airports have been instructed to ensure:

• Coordination with airlines for swift passenger assistance.
• Availability of food, water, and seating during delays.
• Adequate staffing to proactively address passenger grievances.
• Logistical support to airlines, including gate reassignments.
• Reinforced wildlife and stray animal deterrence measures on airport premises.

Air India Crash Investigation Underway With Global Assistance

A formal investigation into the tragic crash is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The AAIB team began their probe on 12 June 2025, and are being supported by experts from the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), in line with international protocols laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Ministry confirmed that the AAIB's investigation is progressing steadily, with full support from local authorities and relevant agencies.

Two sets of black boxes—each comprising a Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—have been recovered from the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the crash. The first set was recovered on 13 June, and the second on 16 June. The MoCA clarified that this aircraft model is equipped with dual black box systems, which are essential for reconstructing the chain of events that led to the accident.

The crash, which took place near Ahmedabad, claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, in addition to several casualties on the ground.

India’s Own Decoding Lab Ready, But Overseas Option Open

Addressing the possibility of analysis abroad, MoCA said the AAIB will take a final decision based on the technical state of the recorders. India’s newly established black box decoding facility at the Udaan Bhawan in Delhi, inaugurated in April 2025 with the assistance of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is fully equipped for such investigations.

However, according to The Mint, officials said that if the recovered units are found to be severely damaged or if the domestic lab lacks certain specialised capabilities, the recorders may be sent to advanced facilities overseas. Given that the aircraft was manufactured by Boeing, the United States is being considered a likely option for further analysis if needed.