Air India crash | Aviation Minister slams foreign media reports on probe, says they may have ‘vested interest’

New Delhi, July 21, 2025 — Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has criticized foreign media for making premature claims about the Air India AI-171 crash. He accused several outlets of spreading speculation that may serve “vested interests.” His remarks follow widespread backlash over reporting from international publications like Reuters and The Wall Street Journal.

The minister said India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is handling the probe professionally. He urged the media to wait for the final report instead of rushing to assign blame.

“There is no point in jumping to conclusions,” Naidu said. “We must let the official investigation run its course without outside interference.”

India’s Probe Process Underway

Naidu expressed confidence in the AAIB, which has been analyzing the black box data and other evidence. For the first time, Indian authorities decoded the black box in-country. This marks a major step forward in India’s aviation capability.

He assured the public that the AAIB follows international protocols laid out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He also emphasized the importance of facts over speculation.

AAIB Warns Against Speculation

The AAIB released a statement criticizing what it called “irresponsible” reporting. It said some articles misrepresented the initial findings. The agency stressed that the preliminary report does not place blame on the crew or the airline.

Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. The engines lost thrust when both fuel control switches changed from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” almost simultaneously. Cockpit audio revealed one pilot asking, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” The other denied doing so. The cause behind the switch activation is still unknown.

AAIB officials clarified that further analysis is underway. They reminded the media that final conclusions require months of detailed review.

Pilot Community Defends Crew

Indian pilot unions strongly opposed the foreign media reports. The Federation of Indian Pilots and other groups issued legal notices to outlets they say defamed the crew. They argued that the reports unfairly pointed fingers without full evidence.

“These pilots aren’t here to defend themselves,” said a union spokesperson. “Their families are grieving, and these stories are hurtful and misleading.”

The pilot associations demanded retractions and public apologies. They also urged the public to trust the AAIB’s process.

Public Backs Crew, Seeks Clarity

The crash killed 260 people, including passengers, crew, and bystanders. Only one survivor, a 12-year-old boy, emerged from the wreckage. The tragedy triggered nationwide mourning and demands for answers.

Social media users have launched campaigns using hashtags like #LetAAIBWork and #RespectTheCrew. Many called out foreign media for turning a national tragedy into a sensational story.

Aviation experts also warned that misleading reports can damage trust. “Investigations take time for a reason,” one analyst said. “Each technical detail matters. Jumping to conclusions only hurts everyone involved.”

Government’s Call for Responsible Journalism

Naidu said media coverage should support transparency, not hinder it. He asked journalists to focus on verified information and avoid dramatizing events.

“This is a time for truth, not theater,” he stated. “Respect the victims and their families. Let the investigation speak for itself.”

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it expects the final report from AAIB by late 2026. Until then, officials urged the media and public to avoid speculating on causes or assigning fault.