The Airline Pilots&rsquo; Association India (ALPA-I) has welcomed the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau&rsquo;s (AAIB) public appeal urging media and the public to avoid speculation and premature judgments regarding the Air India Flight VT-ANB crash.
The AAIB&rsquo;s statement, issued on July 17, seeks to preserve the integrity of the investigation and uphold the dignity of those affected by the tragedy.
ALPA-I, representing airline pilots across India, acknowledged the move as a crucial step. The association reiterated its longstanding demand to be included in the investigation process to ensure that professional and technical insights from pilots are considered.
Since the crash, ALPA-I has written to both the AAIB and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), requesting to participate as observers. The association argued that such inclusion would promote transparency and align India with international aviation safety practices.
Referring to ICAO&rsquo;s Annex 13 guidelines Paragraphs 5.24 and 5.25, ALPA-I highlighted how countries like the US, UK, and Australia permit pilot unions to serve as technical advisers during air accident investigations. The association stressed that pilot representation enhances both credibility and thoroughness of the findings.
&ldquo;Inclusion of pilot voices ensures a more comprehensive and trusted investigation,&rdquo; ALPA-I stated, renewing its request to join the VT-ANB probe.
The association emphasized that its objective is not blame but learning and safety enhancement. ALPA-I also called on media and commentators to avoid conjecture, especially around delicate topics such as crew conduct and mental health, until official facts are established.
ALPA-I concluded by affirming its commitment to collaborate with the AAIB and uphold the collective goal of improving aviation safety in India.
&ldquo;Let us honour those we lost by uncovering the truth with professionalism, compassion, and accountability,&rdquo; the statement said.

Pilot body urges AAIB to allow observer role in crash inquiry

ALPA Seeks Role in VT-ANB Probe

Pilot body urges AAIB to allow observer role in crash inquiry

July 18, 2025 | 23:49 IST