AISATS fires four employees over disciplinary actions after a celebration video went viral

New Delhi (India) June 28: Air India SATS Services (AISATS), a company that manages airport services has apologised for a widely shared video that claims to show its staff members dancing and celebrating at work after the deadly Air India AI 171 accident in Ahmedabad. The company has fired four top executives who were involved in organising the event as part of its disciplinary procedures.

AISATS said, "At AISATS, we stand in solidarity with the families affected by the tragic loss of AI 171 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” in an official statement.

The video, which had over 3.8 million views on X, showed a number of executives dancing while loud music played on June 20 at a party held at Air India SATS's Gurugram office. Many people felt that the celebration was unsuitable and disrespectful, especially because the impacted families were still in sorrow.

Air India Flight AI 171, which was headed to London and was operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. 241 of the 242 people on board were killed when the plane struck the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Meghani Nagar. There has just been one reported survivor.

The flight information and cockpit voice recorders recovered from the debris are presently being examined by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The technical and procedural factors of the fatal crash are being investigated by investigators.

AISATS confirmed its dedication to maintaining professional standards and promised to review internal regulations in order to stop any misbehaviour in the future.

AISATS is jointly owned by SATS Ltd., a significant supplier of food solutions and gateway services and Air India Ltd., which is currently a part of the Tata Group.

Aadrika Tayal