The flight, which took off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, crashed shortly after, claiming 260 lives, including 241 passengers.
In a meeting held in New Delhi on Friday, ALPA India representatives met AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar to discuss the inclusion of subject matter experts in the investigation.
Citing government norms, the AAIB declined ALPA’s request to involve a pilot as an expert in the probe.
ALPA India President Sam Thomas expressed disappointment but noted that detailed discussions on the crash were limited due to the ongoing investigation. The AAIB assured ALPA of future invitations to quarterly meetings, he added.
The AAIB’s preliminary report, released on July 12, revealed that both engines of the aircraft lost fuel supply within a second of each other, causing confusion in the cockpit. ALPA India, an associate member of the global pilots’ body IFALPA, has been vocal about strengthening the investigation process by including its expertise.
The decision has sparked debate, with ALPA arguing that a pilot’s perspective could enhance the probe’s thoroughness. As the investigation continues, questions linger about transparency and collaboration in uncovering the cause of this devastating tragedy.