Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)

Published on 30 Oct 2025

• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recently started the probe on the Air India plane crash at the Ahmedabad airport.

• Section 7 of the Aircraft Act 1934 (now replaced by The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024) empowers the Government of India to make rules for investigation of accidents arising out of or in the course of the navigation in or over India of any aircraft, or anywhere of aircraft registered in India.

• Earlier, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)’s Air Safety Directorate handled aircraft related investigations. 

• As per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s international standards regulation of airspace and investigation had to be independent.

• Subsequently, the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2012 led to the formation of AAIB under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. 

• AAIB, now a statutory body under the 2024 Act, investigates accidents and suggests safety measures.

Keywords:

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau AAIB Air India Plane crash Aircraft Act Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA aircraft Ministry of Civil Aviation International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO