IATA Backs Cockpit Cameras After Air India Crash Report

Willie Walsh, Director General, International Air Transport Association (IATA), has publicly voiced support for installing cockpit video recording systems to aid in accident investigations. His comments followed the release of a preliminary report on the crash of Air India Flight AI171. The report, published by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), revealed that fuel cut-off switches were activated shortly after takeoff—raising new questions about the incident.

Speaking at a media roundtable in Singapore, Walsh stated, “There is a strong argument for the inclusion of video recording in the cockpit to assist in accident investigations.” A former pilot himself, Walsh acknowledged concerns from pilot groups but emphasized the value of additional evidence in crash analysis.

The crash involved a Boeing 787-8 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025. According to the AAIB, preliminary findings indicated that both engines experienced fuel shut-off shortly after takeoff. Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot questioning the other about cutting off the fuel supply, with the second pilot denying having done so. The discrepancy has intensified debate over the need for video evidence in investigations.

“Our industry has always been open in sharing information. We believe that any accident or major incident should be fully and properly investigated, with transparent reporting so everyone can learn from the experience. Based on the limited information available, it is quite possible that a video recording—alongside voice data—would significantly assist investigators in understanding the sequence of events,” Walsh said.

In the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has advocated for cockpit video recorders for over two decades. However, resistance from pilot unions and aviation authorities has delayed implementation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has so far declined to mandate video systems, citing privacy concerns and cost implications.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and the Allied Pilots Association (APA) remain opposed to cockpit cameras. A spokesperson for ALPA said, “Existing voice and data recorders provide sufficient information to determine the cause of an accident. The focus should be on improving current data recording systems rather than adding cameras.”

APA spokesperson and American Airlines pilot Dennis Tajer added, “Calls for cameras stem from the understandable stress of not knowing what happened immediately after an accident. While more information may seem helpful, investigators already have enough data to determine causes effectively. Cameras are unnecessary.”