Ahmedabad: Bereaved families of passengers from Air India Flight AI171, which crashed on June 12, allege the airline pressured them into revealing detailed financial information as a condition for receiving interim compensation. They claim they were asked to complete extensive “financial dependency” questionnaires in overcrowded, overheated settings, without adequate privacy or legal guidance. Some even say Air India representatives visited their homes, warning that failure to comply would result in denial of interim payouts. Peter Neenan, legal counsel representing over 40 affected families, described the experience as “ethically outrageous,” stating that the use of legally significant terms in the forms could potentially weaken future claims.
Affected relatives also reported pressure to disclose income details and validate dependency on deceased members, presenting concerns that these disclosures could be used to reduce long-term compensation. According to Neenan, airlines are only entitled to request basic identification and bank account information under the Montreal Convention—things families are legally obliged to provide for interim payments.
‘Questionnaires intended to verify beneficiary identity’
Air India has firmly rejected accusations of coercion. In an official statement, the airline said that the questionnaires were intended to verify beneficiary identity and expedite interim compensation. They asserted that no family was forced, and forms could be submitted at a dedicated facilitation centre or via email. Air India also emphasized that they have already disbursed ₹25 lakh each to 47 families, with an additional 55 interim payments in progress, and that home visits were conducted only upon request—and strictly to assist, not pressure.
The airline further defended the questionnaires as part of standard due diligence to prevent administrative errors and ensure rightful recipients received funds swiftly, reiterating that the Montreal Convention does not prohibit collecting dependency details as part of a wider verification process.
AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 242 people onboard, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 onboard and 19 on the ground. It is India’s deadliest crash since 1996.
International Claims: US and UK-based families, who are also represented by Stewarts Law, are preparing to file lawsuits against Air India, Boeing, and engine manufacturers under the Montreal Convention, with claims potentially exceeding hundreds of millions globally.
Investigation Underway: India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is examining recovered black boxes and exploring multiple causes, including technical failure and potential sabotage, with preliminary reports expected in the coming weeks.
What’s Next
Legal representatives for the families are urging Air India to halt demanding financial disclosures and to allow independent legal advice before finalizing interim settlements. Meanwhile, the airline maintains that transparency is essential to ensure that relief payments are sent appropriately.
Civil aviation experts anticipate further scrutiny over airline practices in handling compensation frameworks, particularly balancing rapid interim relief with safeguarding victims’ rights under international law.
