Air India SATS Services (AISATS)—a joint venture between Tata Group-owned Air India and Singapore’s SATS Ltd—has dismissed four senior executives after a viral video showed employees celebrating at an office party held shortly after the devastating Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 270 lives.
The incident, first reported by PTI, triggered widespread backlash on social media. In the video, AISATS staff were seen dancing and celebrating, prompting public outrage for what was widely viewed as an act of deep insensitivity, given the tragedy’s proximity. Of the 241 people onboard the flight, only one survived, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent history.
AISATS issued an official statement on Friday expressing remorse and confirming disciplinary action:
“At AISATS, we stand in solidarity with the families affected by the tragic loss of AI171 and deeply regret the lapse in judgment reflected in a recent internal video. The behaviour does not align with our values, and firm disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible as we reaffirm our commitment to empathy, professionalism, and accountability.”
While the company did not specify the exact date of the party or name the individuals dismissed, sources told PTI that the four executives had been directly involved in organizing the event.
The fatal crash occurred on June 12, when a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The tragedy has not only shaken the aviation sector but also led to increased scrutiny of corporate responsibility and public behaviour in times of national mourning.