Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) finds itself at the centre of a swirling storm of public disapproval after a video, purportedly showing its employees celebrating and dancing in an office, went viral. The footage emerged shortly after the horrific Air India Flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which tragically claimed 241 lives, including that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, sparking widespread outrage over the perceived insensitivity.
The clip, which began circulating online earlier this week, was met with immediate condemnation, with many netizens and members of the public decrying the behaviour as disrespectful in the face of such profound loss. The timing of the alleged revelry, so close to a national tragedy, only exacerbated the anger directed at the ground handling service provider.
In an attempt to douse the flames of public fury, AISATS issued a statement on Friday, expressing “deep regret” for the incident. The company affirmed its solidarity with the families of the AI 171 victims and acknowledged a “lapse in judgment” displayed in the controversial internal video. They were quick to distance the company’s core values from the actions depicted, asserting that the conduct was not representative of AISATS’s ethos.
Confirming swift and decisive action, AISATS announced that strict disciplinary measures had been initiated against those involved. As part of these actions, four senior employees have been asked to step down from their positions. While the exact date of the video’s recording remains unconfirmed by independent sources, initial reports suggest it might have been filmed in the days following the June 12 tragedy. The video reportedly shows staff engaging in dancing and celebratory activities within an AISATS office premises.
The ill-fated Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London, met its devastating end almost immediately after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Meghani Nagar, resulting in the loss of 241 out of 242 individuals on board, with only one reported survivor. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently meticulously analysing the retrieved flight data and cockpit voice recorders to ascertain the precise technical and procedural reasons behind the deadly accident.
AISATS concluded its statement by reiterating its unwavering commitment to maintaining professional standards and assured the public that its internal policies would be thoroughly reviewed to prevent any similar incidents of misconduct in the future.