Families of Nine British AI 171 Crash Victims File Lawsuit Against Air India in London
The families of nine British victims from the tragic AI 171 plane crash have initiated legal proceedings against Air India. They filed a joint claim for personal injury and damages in the King's Bench Division of the London High Court through their legal representatives.
Legal Proceedings and Airline Response
James Healy-Pratt, aviation partner at Keystone Law, confirmed the filing. He stated that high court proceedings have been issued against Air India but have not yet been formally served. This action occurs alongside upcoming confidential negotiations scheduled in London.
Healy-Pratt expressed hope that the involved parties would resolve their claims through dialogue, potentially avoiding a full trial. When contacted for comment, Air India declined to provide any statement regarding the lawsuit.
Remembering the Victims
The Boeing 787 aircraft crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. This devastating accident claimed the lives of 241 out of the 242 people on board.
Among the British victims were Mariam Javed Ali Syed, a 35-year-old brand ambassador at Harrods, and her husband Javed Ali Syed, a 37-year-old hotel manager. Their young children, Zayn (6) and Amani (4), also perished. The family had traveled to India to celebrate Eid and care for Javed's mother. Syeda Minnat, administrator of Mariam's estate, along with relatives Sadaf Javed and Syed Ali Hassan, are bringing the claim.
Ramesh Hirani, a 51-year-old founder of Reset From Diabetes, was in India developing a wellness project when he died. He leaves behind a wife and three children. His brother Pritesh Hirani and mother Amarbai Hirani are pursuing the legal action on his behalf.
Ashok Patel (74) and Shobhanaben Patel (71), originally from Gujarat but settled in the UK since 1978, died on the Gatwick-bound flight. They had visited India for a spiritual pilgrimage. Their sons Miten and Hemit Patel are bringing the legal claim.
Ketan Kumar Shah Bharatbhai, a 43-year-old from Dorset, had come to India to visit his sick father in Vadodara. His wife Megha and their two children, Vyom and Yhavi, are pursuing the claim.
Lawrence Christian, a 30-year-old from Maninagar, Gujarat who lived in London, had traveled to India to perform his father's last rites. He died on his return journey. His wife Ayushi is bringing the legal action.
Compensation and Survivor's Situation
Last July, Air India announced an interim payment of Rs 25 lakh to the families of all deceased passengers. This payment also went to Viswashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the crash. The airline stated this amount would be adjusted against any final compensation determined later.
Ramesh, now 39 and back in Leicester, is not involved in this high court case. He has retained a different law firm for his separate legal claim. His spokesperson, Sanjiv Patel, told TOI that Ramesh's claim remains ongoing while he undergoes rehabilitation. The focus currently remains on his recovery, with appropriate care and support being coordinated.
