Pune Family Still Mourns, Seeks Answers One Year After Air India Crash
Pune: One of the 12 cabin crew members who died aboard the ill-fated Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI171) on June 12, 2025, was city resident Irfan Shaikh (22). A year on, his family remains trapped in grief and unanswered questions — the pain as raw as ever.
The London-bound flight had crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people. Shaikh stayed in Sant Tukaramnagar in Pimpri Chinchwad and had joined Air Vistara two years prior to transitioning to Air India in late 2024. It was his third day back on duty after taking a short break for Bakri Eid.
Irfan's elder brother Amir Shaikh (25) said, “If someone told us Irfan would come back if we gave up everything we possess, we would do it in a blink. His absence is overwhelming. We keep him in our hearts in every way possible.”
Amir told TOI: “Time has stopped for us. I was working as a software engineer and life was moving normally. I lost all interest in my job after Irfan's death. I could no longer focus or continue working. Eventually, I quit and now help my father with his frozen food business.”
The family said it wanted answers. “My father is more aware about the compensation process. What matters more is knowing exactly what happened to the aircraft. How could such a massive tragedy occur? Every few days, a new theory emerges. Everything is ‘maybe’ or ‘might have’. We want the truth — the hard facts. It’s been a year and we are still waiting.”
Shaikh's family members said his cellphone remains active. “His parents regularly recharge the number. They send WhatsApp messages about daily family events, milestones and routines to the number — a deeply personal way to feel connected to him,” Yerawada resident Azhar Khan, a close relative, told TOI.
He said, “The family is trying to honour Shaikh's dreams. Whether it is buying a car or ensuring his brother's marriage takes place without dowry — the family is determined to fulfil his wishes. His mother is struggling to come to terms with the loss as she was extremely close to her younger son. Some family members, including Irfan's father, travelled to Delhi and will proceed to Ahmedabad, where the airline and other authorities are likely to brief families of the victims on the sequence of events leading to the crash.”
Investigations in Advanced Stages: AAIB
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a statement on Friday. “Over the last year, the investigation team has undertaken an extensive and rigorous examination of all relevant technical, operational, organisational and human factors associated with the accident. The effort has been supported by accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject matter experts from relevant organisations. Significant progress has been made in the examination and analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance and operational records and other evidence relevant to the investigation. The information gathered and results of various examinations are being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner. Additional technical evaluations and specialist examinations, wherever considered necessary, will continue to be undertaken to ensure that all findings and conclusions are supported by verified evidence and sound scientific analysis,” the statement said.
It said the final report would be released upon completion of all investigative activities and the requisite international review and consultation processes prescribed.
