India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is facing growing scrutiny over its handling of the ongoing probe into the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight 171, as questions mount over transparency, credibility, and delays in establishing clear findings. A year after the tragedy that claimed 260 lives on June 12 last year, the investigation into one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters remains incomplete, fuelling public concern over the pace and quality of the inquiry.

The anniversary of the crash passed with relatively little public attention, despite the scale of the loss and its impact on India’s aviation sector. On the same date this year, the AAIB issued an interim statement reiterating its commitment to uncovering the cause of the accident. However, the update offered limited new information, leaving key questions unanswered and prompting criticism from stakeholders who have been seeking greater clarity on the investigation’s progress.

The Air India Flight 171 disaster, which resulted in the loss of all 260 passengers and crew, remains under detailed examination by the AAIB, India’s primary body responsible for probing civil aviation accidents. The investigation involves analysis of flight data, cockpit voice recordings, maintenance records and operational procedures, along with coordination with international aviation safety agencies. Despite the technical complexity of such probes, experts have pointed out that prolonged silence or limited disclosures can erode public trust in the investigative process.

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Concerns over the AAIB’s handling of the case have been amplified by what critics describe as inconsistent communication and a lack of timely updates. Aviation safety experts argue that while accident investigations must remain methodical and evidence-driven, regular transparency is essential to maintain confidence among victims’ families and the broader public. The absence of a preliminary or detailed final report, even a year after the crash, has intensified scrutiny over institutional efficiency and accountability.

The AAIB, however, has maintained that complex aviation investigations often take time, particularly in cases involving large commercial aircraft and multiple contributing factors. Officials have stressed that the priority is to ensure accuracy over speed, as premature conclusions could compromise the integrity of the findings. International aviation protocols also emphasise thorough analysis before final recommendations are issued, especially in high-fatality incidents.

As the investigation continues, the pressure on the AAIB to deliver clear answers is expected to grow. Families of victims, aviation experts and industry observers are increasingly calling for greater transparency and periodic disclosures on progress. The outcome of the probe is likely to have significant implications not only for Air India but also for broader aviation safety standards in the country. Until then, the credibility of the investigation agency remains under close public and institutional scrutiny.

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