By Sufiyan Khan 
Air India Office Party Video:
Air India Office Party Video Goes Viral Amid National Mourning
In a disturbing incident that has shocked the nation, an Air India office party video has gone viral on social media, sparking intense public backlash. The footage shows senior employees of Air India SATS (AISATS), a ground-handling joint venture between Air India and Singapore-based SATS Ltd., dancing and celebrating at their Gurugram office. The party was reportedly held just days after the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad that claimed 270 lives, including passengers and people on the ground.
AISATS Responds: Four Senior Executives Dismissed
Reacting swiftly to the public outcry, AISATS has terminated four senior executives for organizing the controversial gathering. The company released an official statement acknowledging the Air India office party video and expressing deep regret over the lapse in judgment. “This behavior does not reflect our values. We stand in solidarity with the victims’ families and have taken strict disciplinary action,” the AISATS spokesperson said.
The decision to sack these executives underscores the company’s attempt to reaffirm its commitment to empathy, accountability, and professionalism in the wake of the devastating tragedy.
Details of the Office Party: A Disturbing Timeline
The Air India office party video was recorded on June 20 at AISATS’ Gurugram office, just eight days after the AI 171 crash. Sources revealed that the event was attended by top-level officials, including AISATS Chief Operating Officer Abraham Zachariah, Chief Financial Officer, and Bengaluru International Airport Limited’s GM Sampreet Kotian.
While the video captured high-energy celebrations, loud music, and dancing, it quickly turned into a source of nationwide outrage. The insensitive timing of the party has raised serious ethical questions about the leadership culture within AISATS.
Public Outcry: Insensitive Acts Amid a National Tragedy
As the Air India office party video spread across various platforms, it was met with widespread condemnation. At a time when families were grieving and funeral rites were still underway, the celebration by airline staff appeared callous and disconnected from the emotional gravity of the situation.
Public sentiment turned sharply against the company, with many accusing it of lacking empathy and compassion. “While families were collecting the charred remains of their loved ones, top executives were partying — this is beyond disgraceful,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Background: The AI 171 Tragedy
On June 12, Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft plunged into a densely populated neighborhood and slammed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College. Of the 242 individuals on board, only one British-Indian passenger survived. Several residents on the ground were also killed, raising the death toll to 270.
The crash site was engulfed in flames, making it extremely difficult for forensic teams to identify the victims. As of June 28, only 202 out of 220 identified bodies had been handed over to the grieving families. Many bodies remain in morgues awaiting DNA confirmation.
AISATS in the Spotlight for the Wrong Reasons
The Air India office party video has not only damaged the company’s reputation but also raised questions about its internal culture. AISATS, responsible for ground handling and preparing the load sheet for the ill-fated flight, is now under scrutiny for both its operational responsibilities and its response to the tragedy.
A company spokesperson issued another statement attempting damage control: “We regret any emotional discomfort caused by the video. While the footage has been taken out of context, we understand the public sentiment and assure complete internal review.”
However, critics argue that an apology alone cannot undo the damage caused by the tone-deaf behavior exhibited in the Air India office party video.
Stakeholders Demand Accountability
Aviation analysts and public figures are calling for more transparency and accountability from AISATS and Air India. Given the severity of the crash and its tragic human cost, any misstep — especially one as egregious as throwing a party — is viewed as a violation of public trust.
Some have even suggested that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation should initiate an independent investigation into the role of all involved parties.
About AISATS: A Key Player in Indian Aviation
AISATS is a 50-50 joint venture between Air India Ltd (a Tata Group company) and Singapore’s SATS Ltd. The firm provides ground-handling services at major airports across India. While previously known for its operational efficiency, the recent controversy involving the Air India office party video has severely tarnished its image.
The Way Forward: Rebuilding Trust
The company’s quick decision to dismiss four executives may be seen as a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to restore public confidence. With India’s aviation sector under a global spotlight, such incidents emphasize the need for ethical leadership, especially during moments of crisis.
Industry observers believe AISATS must not only apologize but also take steps to rebuild its internal culture, implement sensitivity training, and ensure that such lapses are never repeated.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Compassion and Responsibility
The Air India office party video is a grim reminder of how corporate insensitivity can amplify grief and public outrage in times of national tragedy. As the families of 270 victims struggle to come to terms with their loss, all eyes remain on how AISATS handles the aftermath of this controversy.
Let this be a turning point — not just for AISATS, but for the entire aviation industry — to embrace compassion, accountability, and dignity above all else.
Read more: Shefali Jariwala Death Shocker