UK families of AI-171 crash victims may sue Air India, Boeing over compensation

July 1, 2025: A powerful legal alliance between UK-based Keystone Law and US-based Wisner Law Firm is preparing to launch major lawsuits against Boeing following the tragic Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, reports The Economic Times. The legal teams are representing families of crash victims and are exploring legal action under international aviation law.

These lawsuits would be independent of any support provided by Tata Sons or insurance settlements from Air India’s insurer, Tata AIG. Keystone Law partner James Healy-Pratt revealed that the firms have been in close contact with affected families, particularly in the UK, and are assessing all available evidence.

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The planned actions include a lawsuit against Boeing in the United States and a separate case against Air India in the High Court of London. The legal basis is rooted in international frameworks like the Montreal Convention, which allow lawsuits in countries where airlines operate or where victims have ties. These laws also permit unlimited liability for airlines in cases of death or injury.

The legal teams are reviewing early settlement offers made to families and assessing whether Air India has fulfilled its obligation to make advance payments as mandated by international law.

While a detailed investigation is still ongoing, the lawsuits are expected to be filed once sufficient evidence is compiled. Keystone Law’s James Healy-Pratt and Owen Hanna, alongside aviation litigation specialists at Wisner Law Firm, are leading the charge. Wisner also represents families affected by the 2020 Air India Express crash.

Air India and Boeing have approximately $4 billion in insurance coverage, with $1.5 billion allocated to Air India alone — a potential fund for legal payouts.

Depending on the evidence, families may pursue claims either in London under English law or in a U.S. federal court in Virginia, seeking full, uncapped compensation.

Ajay Khatalawala of Little & Co highlighted that pursuing legal action in the US or UK could be more favorable for victims’ families due to broader compensation norms, jury trials, and access to expert testimony. However, he also cautioned that such international cases can encounter delays due to complex jurisdictional issues.