Date: June 12, 2026 l By Kimberly White
Families of victims killed in the Air India Boeing 787 crash gathered in India on Friday to mark the first anniversary of one of the world’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years, holding prayer ceremonies, candlelight tributes, and memorial events while continuing to demand answers about what caused the tragedy.
The crash occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after an Air India flight departed from Ahmedabad bound for London. The aircraft crashed moments after takeoff, killing 260 people in total, including passengers, crew members, and individuals on the ground. The disaster remains under investigation by Indian authorities.
On the anniversary, more than 250 relatives representing over 100 victims gathered in Ahmedabad to remember their loved ones through prayers and a candlelight vigil. Many families used the occasion not only to mourn but also to express frustration over the absence of a final investigation report one year after the accident.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) stated that investigators are continuing to analyse evidence connected to the crash and have not established a timeline for releasing a final report. Authorities said significant progress has been made reviewing flight recorder information, aircraft systems, maintenance records, engine components, and operational procedures, but additional work and international consultations remain necessary before conclusions are published.
Under international aviation guidelines, final reports are expected within one year where possible, although interim updates may be issued if investigations remain incomplete. The AAIB said the inquiry has involved an extensive review of technical, operational, organisational, and human factors linked to the incident.
Several relatives said the passage of a full year without definitive findings has deepened their grief. Some families also reported unresolved issues involving the return of personal belongings and continued uncertainty surrounding compensation and accountability.
Alongside memorial services, some relatives renewed calls for a permanent memorial at the crash site, arguing that preserving the location would help honour those who lost their lives and provide a place for remembrance in the years ahead.
As commemorations concluded, families emphasized that while prayers and tributes remain important, closure for many will depend on receiving a clear explanation of what happened and seeing the investigation brought to completion.