**Title:** Air India Chairman Expresses Regret Over AI-171 Tragedy
**Meta Description:** N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India, shares his condolences and plans for supporting families affected by the AI-171 crash.
**URL Slug:** air-india-chairman-regret-ai-171-crash
**Headline:** Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran Offers Condolences and Support Following AI-171 Crash
In a heartfelt interview with Times Now, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India and Tata Sons, expressed his profound sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in the loss of over 270 lives. He stated, “I have no words to console the families of those who died. I deeply regret that this accident occurred in a Tata-run airline, and I feel very sorry.”
Chandrasekaran emphasized the importance of being present for the grieving families during this difficult time. “All we can do is to be with the families at this time, grieve with them, and we will do everything to support them now and in the future,” he added.
Regarding the support for affected families, he acknowledged the challenges of providing comfort but mentioned plans to establish an AI-171 trust. “We wish to create a trust that will address not only financial needs but also other essential requirements. We need to thoughtfully develop this trust and the necessary infrastructure to assist these families,” he explained.
In response to criticism about not attending the funerals of the 12 crew members who perished, Chandrasekaran clarified, “That is not true. We had extensive discussions about who should attend the memorials. Our chief operating officer and other senior personnel were present at various locations. We are committed to supporting the families, not just through visibility but through meaningful actions.”
He assured that senior representatives would be present across different locations to support both crew and non-crew members’ families. “We have organized our team to ensure that someone will be available in Mumbai, Gujarat, and other parts of India. While I don’t want to publicize our efforts, we will definitely visit all the families,” he stated.
On the topic of Boeing whistleblowers, Chandrasekaran mentioned that the investigative agencies are looking into the matter. “These issues are being handled by investigative agencies in the US. However, I can confirm that our 787s have been operating for a long time without any red flags during our checks,” he noted.
Addressing speculation regarding human error and aircraft maintenance, he reassured that flight AI-171 has a clean operational history. “There are many theories circulating about human error, maintenance, and other factors. However, I can confirm that this specific aircraft has maintained a clean record,” he stated. He also highlighted that the right engine was newly installed in March 2025, ensuring its reliability.
In conclusion, Chandrasekaran’s remarks reflect a commitment to supporting the families affected by this tragedy while addressing concerns about the aircraft’s safety and operational history.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What support is Air India providing to the families affected by the AI-171 crash?**
A: Air India plans to establish an AI-171 trust to assist families with financial and other essential needs, ensuring ongoing support during this difficult time.
