MONTREAL - The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has reviewed
the Preliminary Report released July 11, 2025, by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
(AAIB) of India regarding the accident of Air India flight 171 that took place in Ahmedabad on
June 12, 2025.
IFALPA again cautions against hasty conclusions published by the media and social media
based on this report. As a reminder, a Preliminary Report is merely the means of communication
used for the prompt dissemination of data obtained during the early stages of the investigation
and only contains factual information and an indication of the progress of the investigation. In
accordance with the provisions of ICAO Annex 13, such Reports are published within thirty days
of the occurrence.
Whilst this preliminary Report by its very nature raises many questions, it does not provide
answers, and any extrapolation of its content can only be regarded as guesswork, which is not
helpful to the good conduct of the investigation. IFALPA also notes that the Report clearly
states that no safety recommendations are being provided at this stage. The Federation remains
committed to supporting the efforts of the AAIB of India as they work to determine the
contributing factors of this accident.
IFALPA urges all parties to refrain from speculation, allow the investigation to run its full and
proper course, and avoid drawing conclusions from preliminary information. The victims,
including the families of the crew and passengers of Air India 171, deserve our collective
professionalism while the full investigation is conducted.
©2025 The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations. This publication is provided for information purposes only, in all cases pilots should follow their company’s guidance and procedures. In the interest of flight safety, reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is encouraged. It may not be offered for sale or used commercially. All reprints must credit IFALPA.