A devastating crash that claimed 260 lives just shy of the runway at Ahmedabad airport a year ago is still shrouded in mystery. Despite significant progress made by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the investigation into what caused Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner AI001 to crash on 12th June 2025 remains incomplete.
The flight, which had London Heathrow as its destination, has a direct link to the UK that means British nationals and aviation industry officials are keeping a close eye on developments. A definitive timeline for the release of the final report has yet to be provided by the AAIB, leaving families affected by the tragedy and the wider community awaiting crucial answers.
A preliminary report published last July offered some initial insights, suggesting that seconds after take-off, fuel-control switches were moved to the 'cut-off' position. This led to a total loss of power as cockpit audio recordings captured the chilling exchange between pilots asking and denying responsibility for the action. However, investigators have yet to publicly identify which pilot said what.
Media outlets including The Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported that details emerging in the investigation had shifted focus towards Captain Sabharwal, with cockpit dialogue recordings seemingly supporting claims he was responsible for cutting fuel flow. Pilots' associations in India strongly condemned these reports, rejecting any implication that the senior pilot's actions caused the crash.
The incident has led to a renewed focus on aviation safety protocols for flights serving UK airports and carrying British passengers. The global interconnectedness of air travel is being highlighted as a result, with the FCDO typically updating its travel advice following such incidents. However, this particular event involved a flight destined for the UK rather than originating from it, meaning a change in protocol may be necessary.