A year after the devastating Air India AI-171 crash that claimed 260 lives, the lone survivor of the disaster, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has called for “honesty, transparency and answers” from investigators and authorities, saying the trauma of the incident continues to affect him physically, psychologically and financially.
According to a report by The Independent, citing statements made to the Press Association, Ramesh said the impact of the crash did not end on the day of the tragedy.
“What many people perhaps don’t fully appreciate is that the trauma didn’t end on the day of the disaster,” Ramesh said.
“I live with the significant psychological scars, the loss of my brother, and the constant unanswered questions around how and why this happened.”
Ramesh was the sole survivor of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash that occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, while operating a London-bound flight. His brother Ajay was among those who died in the accident.
“I know those questions are not just on my mind. They are on the minds of every affected family,” he said.
“More than anything, people need honesty, transparency and answers. Nothing will ever change what happened, but families deserve clarity.”
While investigators are yet to publish their final findings on the crash, a preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had found that both fuel switches on the aircraft moved to the “cut-off” position immediately after take-off, interrupting fuel supply to the engines.
Ramesh reportedly met air accident investigators in Ahmedabad in March as part of the ongoing probe.
His representative, Sanjiv Patel, told the Press Association that the survivor had so far received £21,500 (approximately Rs 25 lakh) from Air India, the same interim payment offered to families who lost loved ones in the crash.
“He continues to struggle physically, psychologically and financially,” Patel said.
“The reality is that Viswash and his family continue to face significant financial hardship.”
Patel added that because of the physical and psychological effects of the crash, Ramesh has been unable to return to work and support his wife and five-year-old son as he did before.
According to the report, Ramesh’s legal team is pursuing civil action related to the disaster.
Responding to the concerns, an Air India spokesperson told the Press Association that the airline remained committed to supporting those affected by the tragedy.
“Air India remains committed to supporting every individual impacted by the AI171 tragedy with care and compassion,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying, adding that company representatives had recently met Ramesh and were continuing discussions regarding support.
Meanwhile, Air India said on Thursday that it has completed interim compensation payments to the vast majority of families affected by the crash, according to ANI.
Airline sources told ANI that Rs 25 lakh has been paid as interim compensation to families of 96 per cent of the deceased victims.
The airline also said that 94 per cent of those injured on the ground have received either interim or final compensation, depending on the nature of their injuries.
According to ANI, Air India stated that the final compensation process is underway and that affected families are under no pressure to accept settlement offers within a fixed timeframe.
The Tata Group has also provided additional support through the AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, while ex-gratia assistance of Rs 1 crore has been disbursed to 91 per cent of eligible families.
The AI-171 crash remains one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years. Government officials have said the investigation is in its final stages, with the final report expected to be released soon.
