FIP takes legal action against media outlets over Air India crash coverage

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has initiated legal proceedings against The Wall Street Journal and Reuters following their recent reports on the June 12 Air India crash. The pilots' association claims the reports prematurely suggested pilot error or cockpit confusion as the primary cause of the crash, despite the ongoing investigation.

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In a legal notice served to both media organisations, the FIP criticised the coverage as selective, unverified, and damaging. The federation argued that attributing the cause of the crash to the flight crew without conclusive findings amounts to speculative journalism and undermines the principles of responsible reporting.

The pilots’ body emphasized that the published content not only tarnishes the reputation of the deceased pilots but also inflicts undue emotional distress on their families. It further claimed the reporting has negatively impacted the morale of the wider pilot community, which it says works under high-stakes conditions and public scrutiny.

The FIP has demanded an official apology from both outlets and warned that failure to address the issue could lead to further legal consequences. The federation also reiterated the importance of media restraint and accuracy, particularly when official investigations into aviation accidents are still underway. The incident has sparked wider concerns about the impact of speculative media coverage on professional reputations and public trust during sensitive periods.