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A crucial meeting of the Lok Sabha’s Parliamentary Affairs Committee has been scheduled for July 8, where the fatal crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad is expected to come under detailed scrutiny. 

Officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will be present at the session, which will also address regulatory matters such as tariffs, fees, and user charges, reported ANI.

Beyond the formal agenda, the panel is likely to focus heavily on safety concerns following the crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner, which went down seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, killing nearly all passengers and several people on the ground.

Boeing and Air India Executives to Face Tough Questions

Citing sources, IANS earlier reported that the committee has also summoned top executives from Boeing and Air India for the meeting. The authorities are likely to discuss how “multiple shortcomings” across the aviation ecosystem—particularly in maintenance protocols—have raised serious concerns. The committee will also assess the spate of helicopter accidents, especially those affecting the Char Dham pilgrimage routes.

Key issues on the agenda include the DGCA’s oversight mechanisms, adherence to aircraft maintenance schedules, and assessments of pilot mental health. The findings from this inquiry are expected to form part of a report to be tabled in the upcoming session of Parliament.

Investigations and Disciplinary Action Underway

Ahead of the committee’s meeting, the DGCA has already taken preliminary action by ordering the removal of three senior officials from Air India, including a divisional vice president, from all responsibilities tied to crew scheduling and rostering. The regulator has instructed the airline to begin internal disciplinary proceedings without delay, warning that failure to comply could result in severe penalties, including the suspension of its operating licence.