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Air India Crash Update: Fuel switches turned off just before impact
Part of the doomed plane lies in the crash site and is looked over by the authorities (AP Photo) Current as of 10:45am, BKK; this is an ongoing story and Travel Daily Media will update when new information is available. The results of the preliminary investigation into the deadly crash of Air India Flight 171 on 12th June show that the aircraft's fuel switches had been set to the cutoff position just before impact. According to a report from the Associated Press (AP) updated at 12:11am BKK today, 13th July, investigators noted that the fuel control switches of the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner were moved from the “run” to the “cutoff” position, depriving its engines of fuel. In turn, this led to a loss of engine thrust soon after the plane took off. The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) pointed out that there was confusion on the part of both pilots regarding the changed settings. This graphic from Australia's ABC News shows how it is unlikely that the fuel switches were turned off accidentally What we know so far The Air India flight lasted around 30 seconds between takeoff and impact. Per the report, once the Dreamliner hit its top recorded speed: “Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another.” This unusual situation occurred in mere seconds, but the initial report made no mention as to how the switches could have flipped to the cutoff position during the flight. Indeed, Australian experts speaking with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)’s news bureau pointed out how unlikely it was that the shift was accidental. Australian International Pilots Association (AIPA) technical director and 737 pilot Steve Cornell declared: "It's not the situation where you would just both be sitting there very quietly. It'll be a very busy time trying to work out what had happened and trying to fix it." Cornell and other experts say that it is impossible to flip or even bump into these switches by accident. Boeing engineers designed the fuel switches with a locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent movement. Unlike the aircraft’s thrust levers, the fuel control switches are not connected to the plane's autopilot function. That also means it is highly unlikely that the plane could have somehow malfunctioned and automatically flipped the switches to the cutoff setting. Cornell said: "The only thing that can affect their position is something that we do as pilots.” Another Australian aviation expert, Keith Tonkin, concurred with this, saying: "It means that almost certainly, one of the pilots, who would be the only people able to access those switches, has made the decision to physically switch the fuel off to the engines.” This supposition is chilling as it raises the possibility that the crash may have been a deliberate move on the part of one of the pilots. Firefighters hose down the smouldering wreckage of Air India Flight 171 (Reuters) Indian expert theorises that this was no accident Invited to comment for Indian news network NDTV on Saturday, 12th July, just as the initial findings were released, one of the country’s leading aviation experts posited the theory of deliberate human action Mohan Ranganathan called the public’s attention towards the sequence of fuel cutoff switches and cockpit audio, giving weight to the possibility that the crash may have stemmed from deliberate actions taken in the cockpit, potentially even suicide. Ranganathan explained, essentially echoing the statements of his Australian peers: "It has to be manually done. It cannot be done automatically or due to a power failure because the fuel selectors are not the sliding type. They are designed to stay in a slot, and you have to pull them out to move them up or down. So, the possibility of inadvertently moving them to the OFF position doesn't arise. It's definitely a case of deliberate manual selection to move it to OFF." He went on to say that there is no other possible explanation, given current findings, as to why both the fuel switches were moved to the OFF position just after takeoff and just as the engines began rotating. Ranganathan also pointed out a dialogue between the pilots captured by the aircraft’s audio recorder: “According to the cockpit voice recorder, one pilot asks, 'Why did you do it?' and the other pilot responds, 'I did not do it.' This is where the report shows some discrepancies," Indian authorities, however, have asked the public to refrain from jumping to further conclusions pending the ongoing investigation which could run till the end of the year. Civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu went so far as to say: “I don't think we should jump into any conclusions over this. I believe we have the most wonderful workforce of pilots and crew in the whole world. I have to appreciate all the efforts the pilots and crew of the country are putting; they are the backbone of civil aviation. They are the primary resource of civil aviation. We care for the welfare and well-being of the pilots also. So let us not jump into any conclusions at this stage and wait for the final report,” A member of the Air India ground staff joins a prayer service in memory of those lost in the crash (AP Photo) More questions than answers In addition to the details regarding the fuel switches, the report also pointed out that Air India Flight 171 was nearly 5,000kg under the maximum take-off weight, still within permissible limits. Likewise, no dangerous goods were noted on the aircraft, and there was no significant avian activity within the vicinity of the flight path that could have put bird strikes as a potential factor. Given the current results, the AAIB also stated that there are presently no recommended actions involving Boeing and/or GE engine operators and manufacturers. But for the families left behind by those who perished in the crash, the initial report brings no comfort. Speaking with the BBC, Imtiyaz Ali who lost his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children was disappointed, referring to the way the report was presented as more like a product description. Ali said: "Other than the pilots' final conversation, there's nothing in it that really points to what caused the crash. This matters to us; we want to know exactly what happened. It won't change anything for us now, we continue grieving just as we have since that day. But at least we'll have some answers." For now, alas, the results of the investigation have raised more questions than answers, questions that we may not see answered until the end of the investigation.
Paris Airshow opens under the shadow of ME conflict and Air India crash
The Paris Airshow opened today with its usual fanfare of aircraft orders expected to be tempered by last week’s Air India crash in Ahmedabad and escalating war between Israel and Iran. Every two years, Le Bourget Airport in the northeast of Paris is transformed into a showcase for the aerospace and defence industry, its sprawling tarmac lined with fighter jets, commercial airliners and autonomous drones. In the pristine white chalets along the flight line, aerospace executives, government officials and military delegations gather to strike deals and discuss the geopolitical forces shaping the future of aviation. Aerospace and defence executives are also grappling with uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's shifting tariff policies, which many say have been impacting aircraft, engines and parts, disrupting global supply chains, driving up production costs and straining international partnerships. Boeing's CEO Kelly Ortberg and Commercial Airplanes boss Stephanie Pope cancelled their trip to Paris and the U.S. planemaker is scaling back its schedule at the event as it focuses on supporting the India crash probe. The planemaker is eager to keep a low-key presence and avoid any jarring publicity, though it was too late to remove Boeing advertising banners dominating the venue. Behind Boeing’s chalet at Le Bourget, a gleaming Riyadh Air 787 sits on the tarmac. Boeing is emerging from back-to-back safety, industrial and corporate crises triggered by fatal accidents involving the smaller 737 MAX, which is a separate model to the newer 787. Aircraft deals will still be announced at the show, where European politics are also driving some of the discussions. Source: Reuters
Investigations ongoing for the Air India Flight 171 crash
Local authorities guard the crash site in Gujarat, India. (Photo from Bloomberg) Just minutes after it took off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat, India, Air India Flight 171 (AI171) came crashing down yesterday, 12th June. Per the latest Reuters update, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was on its way to London's Gatwick Airport when it plummeted into a students' residence for a nearby medical college; 241 of the 242 aboard the flight have been confirmed dead with one survivor, British national of Indian descent Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Per an update via CNN at around 5:30am (BKK), the former chief minister of Gujarat is believed to be among the fatalities; the Indian government said that former minister Vijay Rupani was heading to the UK aboard the ill-fated flight, but this has yet to be confirmed by the airline as of press time. The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has already begun a formal investigation into the crash. Union minister of civil aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that aviation experts from the United States and the United Kingdom are coming in to help authorities. Current developments The Indian Directorate-General of Civil Aviation declared that, prior to the actual crash, pilots on AI171 made a mayday call to air traffic control shortly after takeoff. Several CCTV cameras on the route between the airport and the crash site captured footage of the plane taking off over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge fireball could be seen rising into the sky from beyond the houses. Based on airport records, ground control lost contact with the plane within mere seconds of takeoff, and the aircraft itself only managed to gain altitude of about 625 feet. Following the crash, Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg has cancelled his attendance at next week's Paris Air Show; Ortberg also assured investigators that his company will fully support ongoing investigations. He said: "“A Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India’s AAIB.” Recovery efforts are likewise ongoing for ground casualties at the medical college where the plane crashed. This is an ongoing story; updates will be posted on confirmation.
Air India flight crashes near the Ahmedabad airport
Image: PTI Developing Story: The Air India passenger plane from Ahmedabad to London carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed just moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday (June 12, 2025) afternoon, a statement by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said. The pilot of the aircraft gave a mayday call to the Ahmedabad air traffic controller. Air India said the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. The London-bound Air India flight involved in an accident minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad crashed into the UG hostel mess of BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar area. According to FAIMA Doctors Association, at least 30 persons were reported injured as students were having lunch at the hostel mess when the plane crashed into the building. Experts quoted by several media outlets said the aircraft’s take-off seemed smooth but multiple bird hits may have caused both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to lose power. They also pointed to the residential area nearby and said the presence of birds could have hampered the aircraft’s operations.
Air India unlocks new shopping rewards for Maharaja Club Members across the USA and UK
Air India announced a new partnership with Loyyal, a leader in blockchain-powered loyalty solutions. This new partnership introduces everyday rewards for Maharaja Club members, enabling them to earn Maharaja Points on purchases with popular global brands across the USA and the UK. Maharaja Club members can now earn Maharaja Points when they shop with brands like Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, New Balance, GAP, Victorinox, and Alamowith more partners coming onboard soon to offer even more opportunities to earn and enjoy exclusive rewards. From fashion and beauty to everyday essentials, these opportunities allow members to accumulate points on daily purchases, bringing them closer to their next rewarding travel experience with Air India when they redeem points for award flights or cabin upgrades. Earning rates vary with each brand, offering members diverse ways to maximize their points across categories. BRAND MAHARAJA POINTS TO EARN Walmart Up to 99 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent Victoria’s Secret 310 Maharaja Points for every GBP 100 spent Victorinox 300 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent New Balance 45 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent GAP 180 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent Alamo 64 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent The offers are available on the Maharaja Club Partner Offers page on Air India’s website (https://bit.ly/MaharajaClubPartners), where members simply need to select their preferred brand to shop with, and follow the next steps. “We’re happy to partner with Loyyal as we continue to make Maharaja Club even more rewarding for our rapidly expanding member base across the globe,” said Shailesh Kumar Singh, Head of Loyalty, Air India. “This partnership makes it easier for our members to earn Maharaja Points on everyday essentials and shopping, without needing to fly frequently. By combining points earned from such purchases with those from flying, members can quickly unlock free flights or cabin upgrades and enjoy a transforming Air India experience.” “We are thrilled to work with Air India to enhance the Maharaja Club experience through our expanded network of partners across the globe to enrich each member’s journey,” said Ashish Kumar Singh, CEO, Loyyal. “This initiative significantly boosts the earning potential for Maharaja Club’s members, allowing them to earn points through everyday purchases across the UK and USA. The Maharaja Club is designed to go the extra mile, ensuring members feel recognized, acknowledged, and privileged at every step. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to making every journey with Air India exceptional, enriching the daily lives of members with meaningful opportunities that ultimately enhance their travel experiences.” Air India recently overhauled its frequent flyer programme, rebranding it to Maharaja Club and introducing a simplified new structure, more customer-friendly features, renamed tiers, and an updated identity for the programme. With Air India being part of Star Alliance and the airline’s close cooperation with fellow Star Alliance member airlines, Maharaja Club members enjoy global recognition and benefits across the alliance’s extensive network worldwide.
Air India to operate direct flights between Delhi and Manila from 01 October
Air India has announced the launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, starting 01 October 2025. With the launch of this new route, Air India becomes the only carrier to operate non-stop flights between India and the Philippines, offering seamless connectivity through its Delhi hub and boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Air India’s service to Manila will operate five days a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays – using the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring a three-class cabin configuration that offers the choice of Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class to travellers. The Philippines recently introduced visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 14 days, significantly enhancing accessibility for Indians eager to visit the white-sand beaches of Boracay, the stunning landscapes of Palawan, the historical landmarks in Cebu, and more. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is a yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop. As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace, with Indian tourists ranking among the highest spenders globally, the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines. We are happy to facilitate new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration between the two nations, while bringing the new Air India to more travellers around the world.” With its 7,000+ islands and a dynamic blend of cultural and modern attractions, the Philippines holds great tourism potential for Indian travellers. Air India’s new route also supports the growing bilateral trade between India and the Philippines, which reached USD 3.53 billion in 2023-24, nearly doubling from USD 1.89 billion in 2015-16, according to the Embassy of India in Manila. Air India’s flight schedule to Manila ensures not only non-stop connectivity from India, but also seamless, one-stop connectivity from Europe via Delhi. SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI AND MANILA (Effective 01 October 2025) Flight # Sector Departure Arrival Days of Operations AI2362 Delhi-Manila 1320 Hrs 2240 Hrs Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday AI2361 Manila-Delhi 2340 Hrs 0350 Hrs+1 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday All times are indicated in local time zones. +1indicates next day arrival. Bookings for Air India’s flights between Delhi and Manila are now open on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through all travel agents.
Air India enters 4 new interline partnerships
Air India announced it has entered interline partnerships with four major airlines from emerging markets, significantly enhancing connectivity to Europe, particularly the Baltic region and parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The partnerships will provide Air India guests seamless travel options to 16 more destinations across 6 countries in these regions, while providing easier access to India to the passengers of the respective partner airlines. Air India signed these interline agreements with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi. The new partnerships further strengthen Air India’s position as a global connector, enabling a passenger to travel across continents with a single-ticket itinerary that combines Air India flights with those of its partner airlines as well as coordinated baggage allowance & handling. Convenient one-stop connectivity through the 4 partner airlines: airBaltic:Provides access to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania) via Air India’s European gateways at Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Gatwick, Milan-Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, or Dubai. Bulgaria Air: Provides access to Sofia via Air India’s gateways at London Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, and Tel Aviv, supporting travel to the vibrant Eastern European city. Air India guests can also take further onward connections from Sofia to other Bulgarian cities of Varna and Burgas. Cyprus Airways:Provides access to Larnaca (Cyprus) via Air India’s European gateways at Paris, Milan, and Dubai, opening one of the Mediterranean’s key cultural and economic hubs for Indian travellers. Uzbekistan Airways:Provides access to Tashkent from Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa-Mopa (GOX), as well as further onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan. Conversely, Air India will provide convenient access to more than 30 Indian cities to the customers of its four artner airlines, including but not limited to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi. “These four new interline partnerships significantly enhance Air India’s global reach and open seamless pathways to vibrant cities across some of the most important emerging markets of today,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “Our partnerships with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, bring more travel options and smoother journeys for our growing base of customers worldwide as well as reinforce India’s rising status as a key global aviation hub.”
Air India codeshares with Icelandair
India’s and Iceland’s flag carriers, Air India and Icelandair, today announced their new codeshare partnership, significantly boosting connectivity between India and Iceland, while offering seamless travel options across 15 routes in India and Europe. This strategic partnership strengthens travel and trade ties between India and Iceland, offering passengers greater flexibility and choice while ensuring a seamless travel experience with convenient connections times, unified baggage allowances, and enhanced connectivity through major European hub airports. The two airlines signed the codeshare agreement on the sidelines of the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi. Under this codeshare agreement: Air India customers will gain seamless access to Icelandair-operated flights to Reykjavik (KEF) via Air India’s European gateways. Air India will add its ‘AI’ designator code on Icelandair-operated flights between Reykjavik and London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Milan, and Zurich. Icelandair customers will benefit from convenient connections on Air India-operated flights to key Indian cities. Icelandair will add its ‘FI’ designator code on Air India-operated flights between Delhi and Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow; and between Mumbai and Frankfurt, London Heathrow. Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, said: “We are happy to embark on this codeshare partnership with Icelandair, which unites two airlines committed to connecting the world. By combining our strengths, we are creating a seamless bridge between India’s vibrant destinations and Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes. This partnership underscores Air India’s ambition to expand our global reach while offering Icelandair’s customers seamless access to India’s diverse destinations.” “This strategic partnership with Air India marks a significant milestone, opening up exciting new travel opportunities from across our network in North America and Europe to and from India,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair. “It will connect Iceland to Air India’s extensive network, allowing us to introduce what Iceland has to offer to their customers. We have and will continue to expand our network of partner airlines, focusing on working with airlines like Air India that offer great service and connectivity.” Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare flights will be progressively made available for sale through the airlines’ respective booking channels.
Air India expands codeshare with Air Mauritius
Air India and Air Mauritius, the national carrier of Mauritius, have expanded their existing codeshare partnership to offer travelers improved connectivity across the Indian Subcontinent and the African region. The two airlines signed the expanded codeshare agreement on the sidelines of the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, and Kishore Beegoo, Chairman, Air Mauritius. As part of the strengthened bilateral codeshare agreement, Air India and Air Mauritius will place their designator codes on a total of 17 routes between India, Mauritius, Réunion, South Africa, and Madagascar. With the enhanced codeshare partnership, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Air Mauritius flights to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, and Antananarivo in Madagascar, for Air India guests to seamlessly travel to these cities via Mauritius on a single ticket and baggage checked through to their final destination. Air India already codeshares on Air Mauritius flights between Mauritius and Mumbai, Delhi, and Réunion. Air Mauritius currently places its ‘MK’ designator code on Air India flights between Mumbai and Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Goa, Delhi and Bengaluru, Chennai. As part of the enhanced codeshare, Air Mauritius will place its ‘MK’ designator code on Air India flights between Mauritius and Mumbai. Thus, all flights operated by Air India and Air Mauritius between the two countries will have each other’s designator codes, thereby multiplying flight options for customers of either carrier. Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India is one of the largest tourism source markets for destinations in Southern Africa, including Mauritius and South Africa, as well as a strong trade partner to the region. This expanded codeshare partnership with Air Mauritius is another step toward widening our extended global network, which enables our customers to easily access these destinations. “Air Mauritius is pleased to expand its collaboration with Air India, offering our passengers connections to numerous destinations across India via Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Travellers from India to Mauritius will not only experience the warmth of our multi-cultural society and the richness of our diverse local cuisine, but also enjoy the convenience of connecting to Reunion, South Africa, and Madagascar beyond with Air Mauritius," says Kishore Beegoo, Chairman of Air Mauritius. The additional codeshare flights are available for booking from 01 July 2025 through Air India’s and Air Mauritius’ respective booking channels and through travel agents.
Air India Unveils ‘There is an Air About India’ Campaign
Air India has unveiled a new campaign, ‘There is an Air About India’, a tribute to the new India that is bold, joyous, confident, and resoundingly vibrant. The campaign, which includes an OOH segment, print ads and a stunning digital film, captures the essence of a nation on the rise that Air India is proud to carry around the world. Conceptualised and produced in partnership with creative agency McCann, the digital film’s centrepiece is the rap-style soundtrack composed by renowned music director Sneha Khanwalkar, with vocals by emerging rap artist Aarya Jadhao. The film blends rhythmic storytelling, sharp transitions, and stunning visuals — capturing the soul of India, from bustling metros to remote heartlands. Each beat and verse weaves together the diverse cultural fabric of India — its colours, cuisines, communities, and ambitions. From traditional performances and spiritual motifs to modern skylines and global aspirations, the narrative culminates in a powerful refrain “There is an Air about India” and that Air India is proud to carry it around the world. After its return to the Tata group in 2022, Air India is in the middle of a five-year transformation – Vihaan.AI – to evolve into a world-class global airline that matches the aspirations of new India. India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world where the number of airports has doubled in the last decade and over 350 million passengers took to the skies last year. Air India is building a world-class airline that reflects the warmth, ambition, and spirit of India. For this, the airline has ordered 570 new aircraft, is undergoing a $400 million retrofit program for its legacy fleet and as part of building the Indian aviation ecosystem, it has set up South Asia’s largest aviation training academy and is setting up a state-of-the-art MRO facility and flying school. Air India is proud to be driving this transformation in Indian aviation.
Air India
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ITB India 2023 – 26 to 28 April 2023, Mumbai India
The 3rd edition of ITB India will take place in-person from 26 - 28 April 2023 in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India. This 3-day business-to-business travel and tourism trade fair for India has been put together to bring different facets of the Indian Travel Market.
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