Turkey strongly denies involvement in the maintenance of the Air India Dreamliner that crashed in Ahmedabad, calling the claims false and misleading
Turkey Responds Swiftly to Disinformation After Air India Crash
In the wake of the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 270 people, the Turkish government has issued a strong and unequivocal denial of claims suggesting its aviation firm, Turkish Technic, was responsible for maintaining the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The Directorate of Communications’ Center for Countering Disinformation in Turkey labeled the reports as “false” and “deliberately misleading,” asserting that the aircraft in question was never serviced by Turkish Technic.
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The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, saw the aircraft slam into the BJ Medical College hostel complex, causing widespread destruction and grief. While investigations are ongoing, speculation about the aircraft’s maintenance history quickly surfaced online, prompting Turkey to step in and defend its aviation sector’s credibility.
According to the official statement, Turkish Technic’s maintenance agreements with Air India, signed in 2024 and 2025, exclusively cover Boeing 777 aircraft. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the crash does not fall under this agreement, and Turkish Technic has never conducted maintenance on any Air India aircraft of that type.
Clarification Amid Crisis: Turkey Protects Its Aviation Reputation
The Turkish government’s response was not just a technical clarification it was a diplomatic maneuver aimed at preserving its international standing. “The claim that the crashed aircraft ,maintained by Turkish Technic constitutes disinformation aimed at manipulating public opinion regarding Türkiye-India relations,” the statement read.
The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized that while it is aware of the company responsible for the most recent maintenance on the aircraft, it would refrain from naming it to avoid further speculation. This measured approach reflects Turkey’s intent to remain transparent while avoiding unnecessary escalation during a time of mourning and investigation.
The denial also comes at a time of strained ties between India and Turkey, following Ankara’s support for Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor. In response, India had already begun scaling back its aviation partnerships with Turkish firms, including plans to reduce reliance on Turkish Technic for wide-body aircraft maintenance.
Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny as Investigations Continue
The crash of the Dreamliner has reignited concerns over aviation safety and maintenance protocols in India. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the black box and is conducting a detailed probe into the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a parallel investigation to assess compliance with safety standards.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has announced plans to shift heavy maintenance operations away from Turkish Technic to facilities in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, or the United States. This strategic move, though planned before the crash, now takes on added urgency amid heightened scrutiny.
The Turkish government, while distancing itself from the crash, expressed solidarity with the Indian people. “As the people of Türkiye, we sincerely share the grief of the Indian people over this tragic plane crash,” the statement concluded.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on uncovering the root cause of the tragedy and ensuring accountability. But for now, Turkey’s firm rebuttal serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread and how vital it is for governments to respond with clarity and composure.
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