New Delhi — Indian aviation authorities have warned that the investigation into the June 2023 Air India flight that crashed into the Bay of Bengal, killing all 260 passengers and crew, will require additional time before a final report can be issued.
According to a statement released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), investigators have achieved “significant progress” in reconstructing the aircraft’s final moments, but further analysis of flight‑data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and wreckage is still pending.
The disaster, which remains the deadliest in Indian aviation history, prompted a multi‑agency response involving the DGCA, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and international partners such as the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Sources familiar with the investigation said that the complexity of recovering debris from deep water has slowed certain aspects of the probe.
“We are committed to a thorough, transparent investigation, and that cannot be rushed,” said a senior DGCA official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Our priority is to determine the root causes and issue safety recommendations that will prevent a repeat of this tragedy.”
Analysts note that the delay is not unusual for accidents involving large aircraft over open water, where data retrieval can be technically challenging. A former aviation safety expert told the press that the timeline for a final report could extend another six to twelve months.
The crash has spurred calls for stricter oversight of airline maintenance practices and crew training. Opposition parties have demanded accountability, while the airline’s parent company, Tata Group, has pledged full cooperation with investigators.
Looking ahead, officials expect the investigation’s findings to shape policy reforms and potentially influence international aviation standards. The final report, once released, will likely impact not only Air India’s operational procedures but also broader regulatory frameworks governing commercial flight safety in the region.