Air India Investigation Stalls — Six Questions Remain Unanswered One Year Later

June 24, 2026 3 min read

Twelve months after an Air India Express Boeing 737 crashed during landing at Kozhikode airport in Kerala, investigators have failed to provide definitive answers about what caused the accident that killed 18 people. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues to grapple with six critical questions that relatives of the victims say have been left unanswered for far too long.

What Happened During the Final Approach

The crash occurred on August 7, 2020, when Air India Express Flight 1344 overshot the runway at Calicut International Airport and fell into a gorge while attempting to land in heavy rain. Of the 191 people on board, 18 died including both pilots. Survivors described a terrifying descent as the aircraft touched down far beyond the runway threshold. The Boeing 737-800 split into two pieces after skidding down the embankment.

Weather and Visibility Factors

Meteorological conditions at the time of the crash remain under intense scrutiny. Investigators are examining whether adequate warnings about weather conditions were communicated to the flight crew before their approach. Local media reported that heavy monsoon rains had reduced visibility significantly, raising questions about whether landing should have been attempted. Aviation safety experts note that runway overrun accidents during poor weather conditions are entirely preventable with proper decision-making protocols.

Crew Performance and Decision-Making

The investigation has focused heavily on cockpit activities during the final minutes of flight. Investigators obtained both the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder, but sources close to the inquiry say piecing together a complete timeline has proven challenging. Questions persist about whether the crew followed standard operating procedures for adverse weather approaches and whether adequate go-around options were considered as conditions deteriorated.

Air Traffic Control Communications

Authorities are reviewing all communications between the flight crew and air traffic controllers at Kozhikode. The exchange of information regarding weather updates, runway conditions, and landing clearance is being examined for any gaps or miscommunications that may have contributed to the outcome.

Aircraft Maintenance and Technical Condition

investigators have reviewed extensive documentation about the aircraft's service history. The Boeing 737-800 had accumulated over 33,000 flight hours before the accident. Engineering records show no outstanding maintenance discrepancies at the time of the accident, according to documentation released by Air India Express. However, investigators continue to examine whether any latent technical issues may have affected aircraft performance during the critical landing phase.

Institutional Safety Culture and Oversight

Aviation regulators have faced scrutiny over their oversight of Air India Express, which operates as a subsidiary of the state-owned carrier. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation conducted separate audits following the crash. The airline has since implemented new safety protocols and enhanced training requirements for crews operating in challenging weather conditions. These reforms came after regulators identified gaps in procedures that allowed the flight to continue toward Kozhikode despite deteriorating conditions.

The Human Toll on Families and Community

For relatives of those who perished, the delayed investigation has compounded their grief. Most of the passengers were Indian nationals returning home during the pandemic, many of them elderly travellers who had been stranded abroad. Community organisations in Kozhikode have provided support services to survivors and bereaved families throughout the past year. The psychological impact extends well beyond those directly involved, with the accident having shaken public confidence in regional air travel safety.

What Comes Next in the Investigation

The AAIB has not announced a deadline for publishing its final report. Aviation accident investigations of this complexity routinely take two years or more to complete. Families and aviation safety advocates say they will continue pressing for transparency throughout the process. The findings could shape new safety directives for all Indian carriers operating at small regional airports with limited runway safety areas. What remains certain is that 18 families will mark this anniversary without the closure they were promised.