Lawyer Urges AI 171 Crash Families To Wait

Families of the victims of the Air India Flight AI 171 crash have been strongly advised by their lawyer not to sign the airline’s proposed final settlement terms just yet, as crucial details of the investigation are still unfolding. This guidance comes as part of ongoing discussions about how best to secure justice, accountability, and fair compensation following one of India’s most tragic aviation accidents in recent years.

The devastating crash occurred on 12 June 2025, when the Boeing 787 8 aircraft took off from Ahmedabad and suffered a catastrophic failure shortly afterward, killing hundreds of passengers and crew members. In the months since the accident, families have been grappling not only with grief but also with the complex legal and emotional process of securing closure and compensation.

Attorney Chuck N. Chionuma, who represents more than 105 of the bereaved families, has said that the settlement documents being offered by Air India could be problematic if signed before the full investigation is complete. He warned that the proposed final agreement may require families to waive their rights to pursue legal action against the airline, aircraft manufacturers, and even governmental entities, not only for current claims but for future liabilities as well.

In remarks to the media, the lawyer highlighted that important data from the aircraft’s investigation, particularly information from the Aircraft Investigation Board, has not yet been fully released. Chionuma emphasised that knowing the full facts is essential to fairly understanding the crash, identifying responsibility, and accurately valuing damages before agreeing to any settlement.

While Air India has maintained that the compensation process reflects industry norms and is intended to provide a measure of closure for families, the attorney’s counsel underscores the deep emotional and legal stakes for relatives and loved ones who may feel pressure to accept compensation quickly.

Some families have already begun receiving proposed settlement terms, which include clauses that would require them to forgo future claims in exchange for agreed payments. The attorney’s warning has prompted many families to pause and reconsider before signing away potential avenues for pursuit of justice once key investigative findings become public.

This ongoing debate reflects the broader challenges that often follow major disasters, where the need for closure, financial support, and legal clarity can pull in different directions. For now, the emphasis remains on patience and ensuring that families make informed decisions with all available information before moving forward.