Air India releases Rs 25 lakh interim aid to families of 166 crash victims

Air India has disbursed interim compensation to the families of 147 passengers who lost their lives in the tragic AI171 accident, along with 19 others who died at the accident site. Each affected family has received an interim payment of Rs 25 lakh to help meet immediate financial needs.

The airline, in a statement issued on Saturday, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the bereaved families and those affected by the incident. "Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn their loss and remain fully committed to providing support during this difficult time," the statement read.

Over the past month, Air India has progressively released the interim compensation, which will be adjusted against the final



compensation amount. The airline also confirmed that the requisite documents of 52 more deceased passengers have been verified and compensation for their families will be disbursed shortly, the statement mentioned.

The Tata Group has also established ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ in memory of the victims of the tragedy. The Trust has pledged an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to the families of each deceased passenger. It has also undertaken to support the rebuilding of infrastructure at the BJ Medical College Hostel, which was damaged in the accident.

Beyond the immediate families, the Trust will also extend support to first responders, medical and disaster relief professionals, social workers and government staff who played a critical role in the aftermath of the crash.