In a move to control damage after a wave of national outrage, Air India SATS (AISATS) has terminated four senior officials following the circulation of a viral video showing them partying days after the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash that claimed 270 lives. The footage, taken at an internal gathering in Gurugram on June 20, featured AISATS Chief Operating Officer Abraham Zachariah and others dancing to loud music. The visuals drew harsh criticism online for their insensitivity, especially as families continued to grieve and identify the remains of their loved ones through forensic testing. The crash involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India, which crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after take-off, killing all 241 passengers and several people on the ground.
AISATS, a 50:50 joint venture between Air India Limited (under Tata Group) and Singapore-based SATS Limited, handles airport ground operations and load management. The company was involved in managing the load sheet of the ill-fated AI171 flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The fact that some of its top executives were seen celebrating so soon after the tragedy has angered many, with the video widely shared on social media. Sources revealed that Bengaluru International Airport Limited’s GM Sampreet Kotian and AISATS’ CFO were also present at the party. In response to the backlash, AISATS issued a public apology stating that the video was taken “out of context,” though the statement failed to pacify public sentiments.
As of June 28, only 202 of the 220 identified bodies have been handed over, while several remain in morgues awaiting DNA confirmation. The tragedy, which occurred on June 12, has shaken the nation, especially with the majority of victims being Indian nationals, along with several foreign citizens and airport staff. Critics argue that the party video symbolizes a shocking lack of empathy from the aviation sector’s leadership. Despite AISATS’ attempt at damage control, calls for further accountability and investigation into operational lapses continue to grow. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has already ordered a high-level probe, and an international aviation safety expert has been roped in to assist with the inquiry.
