Air India Denies Allegations of Coercion Over Crash Compensation Forms

Air India on Friday dismissed allegations that it pressured families of victims of the AI-171 crash to disclose their financial dependency on the deceased in order to reduce compensation payouts.

In a statement, the airline called the claims “unsubstantiated and inaccurate,” clarifying that such disclosures are a standard procedure to ensure that interim compensation is paid promptly and fairly to rightful beneficiaries.

The controversy arose after reports suggested that bereaved families were being compelled to reveal financial ties to the deceased as a condition for receiving support. Air India refuted this, saying the information was necessary to avoid delays and to identify legal beneficiaries properly.

“Allegations have been made that families are being forced to sign papers disclosing their financial dependency to cut compensation. This is incorrect,” the airline said.

It explained that interim (or advance) compensation was being processed quickly to help families meet immediate needs, with some payments made within days of the accident. However, the airline noted it could not process payments “in an information vacuum.”

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As part of the process, Air India requested families to complete a questionnaire—including a simple yes/no on financial dependency. The airline defended this as a reasonable and fair way to verify who is entitled to payments.

The questionnaire has been available since June 15 at a Facilitation Centre in Ahmedabad’s Taj Skyline hotel and could also be obtained via email. Air India said families were free to fill out the form at their convenience, and staff at the centre were on hand to explain the process.

“Several families have chosen to complete the questionnaire at their convenience and submit it by email. Those who completed it at the Centre were given copies of their submissions if they requested,” Air India added.

The airline reiterated its commitment to supporting families while ensuring that payments are made to the rightful recipients through a transparent process.

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