Date: June 14, 2025
By – Aditya Shrivastava
In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, which claimed the lives of 241 people, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has raised serious concerns regarding the possibility of a cyberattack on the aircraft’s systems. The flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick and crashed within 30 seconds of takeoff on June 12, 2025.
The aircraft was carrying 242 people onboard, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens. Only one person survived the crash, which is being regarded as one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
MP Sanjay Raut Questions Possibility of Cyberattack
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Sanjay Raut questioned the official narrative surrounding the crash. “I am not an expert, but serious questions arise when a plane crashes within 30 seconds of takeoff. Was there a cyberattack by a hostile nation on the aircraft’s systems?” he asked.
Raut referred to recent cyber intrusions aimed at Indian defense installations and emphasized the growing need for cybersecurity vigilance in civil aviation. “Maintenance is critical in aviation. Why was Ahmedabad chosen for this aircraft’s maintenance? Who is responsible for the upkeep at the Ahmedabad airport?” he further inquired.
He also criticized government officials’ behavior at the crash site, calling it “insensitive” and “disheartening.”
High-Level Multidisciplinary Committee Formed
In response to the tragic incident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has constituted a high-level multidisciplinary committee to investigate the cause of the crash. According to an official statement, the committee will also examine the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and propose comprehensive guidelines for preventing and handling such incidents in the future.
The committee will focus on:
- Determining the root cause of the crash
- Evaluating current SOPs and emergency response mechanisms
- Suggesting policy-level changes and operational improvements
- Enhancing training and coordination across aviation stakeholders
The committee will be headed by the Union Home Secretary and will include representatives from:
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation
- The Indian Air Force
- Independent aviation experts
Full Access to Flight and Maintenance Records
The Ministry has confirmed that the committee will have unrestricted access to all relevant records, including:
- Flight data recorder (FDR)
- Cockpit voice recorder (CVR)
- Aircraft maintenance logs
- Air traffic control (ATC) communication logs
- Eyewitness testimonies
The committee will submit its findings within three months and propose international best practices to be incorporated into India’s aviation SOPs.
Was the Aircraft Vulnerable?
The crash has reignited debate about India’s aviation safety standards and the long-standing Boeing aircraft procurement deal. Raut pointed out that the original Boeing deal was opposed by the BJP, and now, public fear around air travel is rising due to such accidents.
He questioned the safety protocols, aircraft inspections, and the choice of maintenance contractors. These concerns, coupled with the unexplained rapid crash, have added pressure on authorities to ensure complete transparency and accountability.
A Call for Aviation Reform
This tragic incident is a grim reminder of the critical importance of aviation safety, cybersecurity in transport systems, and the need for rigorous oversight. As India mourns the lives lost in the Air India AI171 crash, all eyes are now on the investigative committee and its findings, which are expected to shape the future of Indian aviation safety protocols.