Air India has rejected claims that it forced the families of the AI-171 accident victims to declare financial dependency to reduce compensation payouts. Air India dismissed the claims as ‘unsubstantiated and inaccurate.’ The controversy arose from reports that some families were being compelled to disclose financial ties with the deceased as a condition for receiving compensation. The airline stated that the request for information was a part of a standard process to ensure the efficient distribution of interim compensation to the rightful beneficiaries. Air India stated that it has been working to ensure that interim compensation is paid as swiftly as possible to assist the affected families, with the first payments made quickly after the accident. The airline also confirmed that a Facilitation Centre was set up in Ahmedabad, and the questionnaire was also available via email. The airline clarified that the questionnaire was not mandatory. Several families have already received interim compensation. Air India is actively working on releasing funds to the remaining bereaved families. Furthermore, the Tata Group has announced a voluntary ex-gratia payment for each of the deceased. Air India has urged the public to be vigilant against misinformation and to avoid misinterpreting the facts.
