Attorney Chuck N. Chionuma, representing more than 105 families of victims of Air India Flight AI-171, has advised them against signing the airline’s proposed final settlement documents, saying they should wait for further investigative findings before making any decision.
In remarks to Asian News International, Chionuma urged caution and pointed to the pending release of AIP data as a crucial factor.
"My advice is not to sign this, but to wait for the AIP data to be released so we know who the culprits are. Then you'll be able to assess what the real damages are and what you are given before you sign such a document," he said.
He also questioned the wide applicability of the proposed agreement. "The document applies to every jurisdiction where any claim is brought. It requires the families to indemnify and hold these companies harmless, regardless of where the claim is brought," he added.
According to Chionuma, the terms extend beyond releasing the airline from liability. He said families would be required to waive claims not only against Air India but also against manufacturers, operators and government entities, both for present and future liabilities.
He maintained that signing away such rights before the completion of the investigation would be unjust.
"Three families have received the proposed release and settlement terms from Air India, and we have advised all of them not to accept it. The settlement proposed by Air India is problematic in several respects. It not only releases Air India from current and future liabilities for the deaths of family members, but it also releases practically everyone in the world, including the airline manufacturers, component manufacturers, aviation operators, and even governmental entities. The liability they are indemnifying against has no limit. To make things even worse, the document also goes as far as requiring the families and other parties to hold Air India harmless against any future claims. It is not advisable for anyone to sign these documents," Chionuma told ANI.
The comments come after Air India announced the commencement of the final compensation process for families impacted by the crash of Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad last year.
In a statement, the airline said it recognises that no financial amount can make up for the loss of a loved one, but described the clarification of final compensation as an important step for grieving families.
The carrier has already paid interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to families of the deceased. It also confirmed that ex gratia payments of Rs 1 crore per deceased family are being processed through the Al-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust set up by the Tata Group.
Air India stated that the final compensation offers are calculated individually in accordance with applicable legal frameworks and are structured on a "full and final" basis in line with standard industry practice. Families who accept the settlement must confirm that they will not pursue any future claims against the airline or associated entities, including original equipment manufacturers, airports or government agencies.
The airline said this clause is meant to ensure that the settlement is conclusive and to prevent subsequent direct or indirect claims. It also said families have been encouraged to seek independent legal advice before taking a decision and reiterated its commitment to transparent and compassionate communication.
On June 12 last year, Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The crash claimed 260 lives, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members and 19 people on the ground.
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