The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has issued a strong statement urging the public and international media to avoid speculation and misinformation surrounding the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171, which claimed 260 lives.

In its official communication released on Thursday, the AAIB—under the Ministry of Civil Aviation—condemned “selective and unverified reporting” by certain international media outlets, stating that such actions are “irresponsible” and risk “undermining the integrity of the ongoing investigation.”

“Investigation Being Conducted with Utmost Professionalism”

The Bureau clarified that the investigation is being carried out in line with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and adheres to international standards set by the ICAO Annex 13. AAIB asserted that its process is “rigorous and professional,” and reiterated its role as India’s official body for air accident investigations.

Highlighting its experience, the Bureau noted, “Since its inception in 2012, AAIB has investigated 92 accidents and 111 serious incidents with an impeccable track record.”

Pushback Against International Reports

The AAIB’s remarks come amid global scrutiny, following reports in international media. One such report, by The Wall Street Journal and cited by Reuters, claimed that cockpit voice recordings suggested the AI-171 captain may have switched off the fuel control shortly after takeoff—triggering panic in the cockpit.

The AAIB warned against jumping to conclusions based on “individual accounts” or “partial information.” The Bureau stressed that disseminating such unverified content is damaging, especially as the investigation is still underway.

Appeal for Sensitivity and Accuracy

In its statement, AAIB emphasized the importance of respecting the gravity of the situation and the grief of victims’ families. “It is essential to respect the sensitivity of the loss faced by families of the deceased passengers, crew, and those on the ground,” the Bureau said.

The agency called on both the media and the public to “refrain from spreading premature narratives,” and urged all parties to avoid creating unwarranted fear regarding the safety of Indian aviation, especially in the absence of confirmed facts.

Final Report Will Determine Root Cause

Clarifying its role, the Bureau stated that its current focus is on understanding what happened, not assigning blame. It explained that it is too early to reach definitive conclusions, and the final investigation report—which will include root causes and safety recommendations—will be published upon the completion of the full inquiry.

“While the magnitude of this tragedy has rightly drawn public concern,” the Bureau noted, “this is not the time to create anxiety or distrust toward the Indian aviation industry based on speculative narratives.”

Await Final Findings, AAIB Says

In conclusion, the AAIB urged patience, stating that it will release the final report once the full investigation is complete. Interim updates will also be shared as and when necessary, especially if they hold technical or public relevance.

“This is a time for facts, not assumptions,” the Bureau emphasized, reinforcing its commitment to a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation process.