Air India SATS terminates senior staff caught celebrating days after Ahmedabad crash, issues public apology amid national criticism
28 June 2025, New Delhi
Air India SATS (AISATS), a ground handling and airport services provider, is under fire after a video surfaced showing its employees celebrating at the company’s Gurugram office—just days after the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives.
The incident involved a Boeing 787 aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing nearly all onboard and several people on the ground. The nation was in mourning, yet the footage from the AISATS office showed staff, including senior officials, dancing and celebrating—a move that triggered sharp public criticism and social media outrage.
In response, AISATS acted swiftly. The company confirmed that four senior executives, including its Chief Operating Officer, were asked to step down following an internal inquiry. Additionally, serious warnings were issued to other employees involved in the incident.
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In an official statement, the company expressed regret over the event, calling it a “serious lapse in judgment.” AISATS stated, “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims. The behaviour seen in the video does not reflect our values. Immediate and appropriate disciplinary action has been taken.”
The incident has reignited debate over corporate ethics and sensitivity in the aftermath of national tragedies. Many have called for stricter internal codes of conduct and better crisis communication protocols within organisations linked to public services and aviation.
AISATS, a joint venture between Air India (Tata Group) and SATS Ltd (Singapore), has also committed to reviewing its internal policies to prevent such instances in the future and restore public trust in its operations.
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Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.