The statement emphasised that Turkish Technic had never serviced any Air India 787‑8 aircraft, asserting the claim appeared aimed at "manipulating public opinion regarding Turkiye‑India relations" and that the firm "To date... has not conducted maintenance on any Air India aircraft of this type." While they declined to identify the actual company responsible, Turkiye’s Centre for Countering Disinformation assured public monitoring and corrective action against misleading narratives.
These clarifications followed strong claims by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who suggested a potential conspiracy by a "Turkiye" agency he alleged maintained the aircraft. He urged India to reduce foreign involvement in sectors deemed sensitive. His assertions coincided with heightened governmental scrutiny following the revocation of security clearance for Turkish firm Celebi, a ground-handling provider at several major Indian airports. Adani Airport Holdings has since terminated its contract with Celebi at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has disclosed plans to move away from Turkish Technic for heavy maintenance. While capacity constraints will still necessitate some overseas servicing, Airbus and Boeing wide‑body aircraft will increasingly be routed through Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, or US facilities—citing both operational needs and national sentiment.
The Ahmedabad tragedy has intensified attention on the Boeing 787‑8 series, which has a documented history of technical difficulties. Recent incidents include diversions due to hydraulic system leaks and flap malfunctions. In 2021, whistleblower Sam Salehpour claimed that Boeing had taken manufacturing shortcuts on both 777 and 787 aircraft, raising concerns about structural integrity as these jets age.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have initiated high‑level investigations. The former is reviewing maintenance logs, pilot briefing records, and ATC communications, while the latter is leading the technical probe. A committee chaired by the Home Secretary is set up to assess existing safety protocols and recommend improvements. Aircraft hull insurance for Flight AI‑171 is expected to fall under the Montreal Convention, with compensation based on Special Drawing Rights, and global reinsurers reportedly covered the policy valued around US $115 million.
Flight AI‑171, operated with a Boeing 787‑8 registered VT‑ANB, was bound for London Gatwick when it issued a "Mayday" alert shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 13:39 IST. It climbed to 600–800 ft before plummeting into a doctors’ hostel in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad. Only one passenger, seated at 11A near an emergency exit, survived and is receiving treatment at the city’s civil hospital.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who logged over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar with about 1,100 hours were piloting the flight. Experts are now examining whether dual engine failure, bird strike or systemic thrust loss were factors, alongside a rigorous review of structural and mechanical maintenance history.
The accident has triggered a broader policy response. The government’s decisive actions—including the removal of ground‑handling privileges from Turkish entities and a strategic pivot in Air India’s maintenance arrangements—reflect deepening concerns about national security, aviation integrity, and geopolitical exposure.