In the wake of one of India’s most tragic aviation disasters, former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has publicly questioned Singapore Airlines over what he described as its “deafening silence” following the crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad last week.

The incident, which took place just moments after take-off from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew on board. Only one person miraculously survived. With casualties on the ground as well, this has become India’s deadliest airline tragedy in over four decades, and the first-ever crash involving Boeing’s Dreamliner 787 series.

“Where Is Singapore Airlines?” Patel Asks

Praful Patel, known for his deep involvement in the aviation sector, didn’t hold back. In a strongly worded post on X, he called out Singapore Airlines (SIA)—which owns a 25.1% stake in Air India—for failing to make a prompt public statement. Patel emphasized that SIA is not just a shareholder but also a major maintenance and operational partner for Air India. “They seem to be in hiding,” he wrote, expressing shock over what he described as the airline’s “surprising silence.”

Patel’s post stirred immediate reactions across aviation circles, igniting debate on the role and responsibility of foreign partners in national tragedies.

Singapore Airlines Responds—And Tata Sons Steps In

Shortly after Patel’s post gained traction, Singapore Airlines broke its silence. In a formal statement, the airline extended its deepest condolences and said it had been in close contact with Air India and Tata Sons, offering “full support and all necessary assistance.”

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, further clarified the situation in an interview, saying SIA’s CEO has been in constant touch with him since the crash. “They have supported us in many dimensions—from best-in-class safety protocols to customer experience benchmarks. Even now, they’ve reached out and are offering all the help they can,” he said.

Was Air India’s CEO a Singapore Airlines Appointee?

Patel’s remarks also suggested that Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was a nominee of Singapore Airlines, pointing to his previous stint as CEO of SIA’s low-cost arm, Scoot. But Chandrasekaran dismissed that claim, saying Wilson was directly hired by Tata Sons in 2022—before Singapore Airlines even held a stake in Air India. “He had to quit Singapore Airlines to join us. The merger happened later,” he clarified.

The Bigger Picture: A Complex Web of Aviation Partnerships

Post the Air India–Vistara merger, Singapore Airlines now holds a significant minority stake in the merged airline entity. Its influence stretches beyond finances—it’s deeply embedded in the operational framework too. For instance, in May 2024, Air India signed on SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to help develop its massive maintenance hub in Bengaluru, slated to open by 2026. This facility will handle both narrow- and wide-body aircraft as part of the airline’s long-term expansion.

Additionally, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong sits on the Air India board, further deepening the partnership between the two aviation giants.

What This Means for Indian Aviation

The crash of AI-171 has raised not just safety concerns, but also tough questions about accountability in international joint ventures. With Singapore Airlines playing a crucial role in Air India’s day-to-day operations and future growth, many believe that a more visible response was warranted.

At the same time, the tragedy is testing the resilience and transparency of India’s aviation sector, now undergoing a major transformation under Tata ownership. As the investigation continues, both the public and policymakers will be watching closely—not just for answers, but for action.

And while the silence has been broken, the echoes of this tragedy are likely to ring for a long time.