Families Explore Legal Action in the UK
Families of the British victims who perished in the tragic Air India (AI 171) crash in Ahmedabad are exploring legal action against both the airline and the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, in UK courts. This move signals a potential new phase in the aftermath of the disaster, as relatives seek enhanced compensation beyond what has been offered by the airline. The crash, one of the worst in India's aviation history, involved a London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner that went down moments after takeoff, claiming the lives of all but one of the 242 people on board, as well as 34 individuals on the ground.
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Seeking Enhanced Compensation
Sources indicate that the families of the 52 UK victims are in discussions with the London-based law firm Keystone Law to chart out a legal strategy. The primary focus of the potential lawsuits is to secure a more substantial compensation package. Air India, owned by the Tata Group, had previously announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the victims' families, later adding an additional ₹25 lakh to assist with immediate financial needs. However, the move to engage a UK law firm suggests that for many families, this amount is considered insufficient given the scale of the loss.
Keystone Law has confirmed that it is reviewing the early settlement offers made by Air India's lead insurer, TataAIG. The firm is advising the families on their rights and the obligations of the airline under international law, which includes providing advance payments to the next of kin. A series of meetings are scheduled this week between the law firm and the victims' relatives, after which a final decision on whether to proceed with legal action will be taken.
Jurisdiction Under International Law
The ability for the families to pursue claims in the United Kingdom is permitted under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty that governs air carrier liability. The convention allows for legal claims to be filed in jurisdictions where an airline operates or where the victims have significant ties, providing a legal pathway for the UK-based families to seek justice in their home country. This potential legal battle could have significant implications for how compensation is determined in international aviation disasters involving multiple nationalities.
