India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe.

India has declined an offer from the United Nations’ aviation body to join the investigation into the June 12 crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people, Reuters reported, citing two senior sources familiar with the matter.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had offered to provide one of its investigators to support the probe, an unusual step taken without a formal request from India. ICAO also reportedly requested that its investigator be allowed observer status, but Indian authorities turned down the proposal, according to a report by Reuters.

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India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe. The agency has not issued an official response to questions on ICAO’s involvement. ICAO also did not comment publicly as of Thursday.

ICAO offer comes amid delays, questions

The ICAO has previously assisted in high-profile crash probes, such as Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014 and a Ukrainian jetliner downed in 2020, but only after being formally invited.

In this case, the UN agency stepped in proactively, a move that followed mounting criticism from global safety experts about delays and a lack of transparency in India’s handling of the crash investigation, Reuters report added.

One concern raised was the time taken to access the black box data. The civil aviation ministry on June 26 said that data from the flight recorders had been downloaded, nearly two weeks after the crash, with technical assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Limited public communication fuels concerns

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Since the June 12 tragedy, which marked the world’s deadliest aviation accident in over a decade, the Indian government has held just one press conference, without taking questions. The lack of detailed briefings has sparked further concern among aviation professionals and the public, the Reuters report added.

There were also questions on whether the crucial black box data would be analysed in India or in the United States, given the joint involvement of the NTSB and Boeing in the investigation.

According to Annex 13, an internationally recognised set of aviation investigation protocols, authorities are advised to decide on the location for data recovery immediately, especially if it may help prevent future incidents.

An Indian civil aviation official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters earlier this week that all ICAO protocols are being followed, and that key updates have been communicated through media briefings.

NTSB urges transparency

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, told Reuters on June 26 that she hopes India will release its findings soon.

“For aviation safety and public awareness, we hope the Indian government will make its findings public swiftly,” Homendy said.

A preliminary investigation report is expected within 30 days of the crash, in line with international practice. Most major air crashes involve a combination of causes, which are revealed over time through detailed analysis of flight data, crew communications, and aircraft systems.