Just days after the horrifying Air India AI171 plane crash that took the lives of over 265 individuals, a shocking video surfaced online. The clip, which quickly went viral, shows a DJ party inside the Air India SATS (AISATS) office in Gurugram. Netizens are furious, calling it a display of insensitivity and complete disregard for the national tragedy.
AISATS Executives Dance To Bollywood Music While Nation Mourns
The viral video shows AISATS’ Chief Operating Officer, Abraham Zakaria, dancing along with other top officials, including Air India’s CFO, Sampreet Kotian, and a GM from Bengaluru International Airport Limited. The group was grooving to the song “Ladki Beautiful Kar Gayi Chul” from Alia Bhatt’s film Kapoor & Sons. The celebration was reportedly held at their Gurugram office, and although the context of the event is unclear, its timing—just days after the Ahmedabad crash—sparked nationwide outrage.
Netizens React Strongly: “Humanity Loses”
The video has drawn massive backlash across social media. Many users expressed their grief and disbelief over how Air India staff could celebrate so soon after a devastating crash:
- “Humanity loses, unbelievable.”
- “Air India should be fixing their aircrafts, not dancing!”
- “Unacceptable! They act like nothing happened. What if someone from their family had died?”
Several others called for disciplinary action and accused the airline of tarnishing its already fragile reputation.
AISATS Issues Public Apology After Outrage
AISATS, a joint venture between Air India Limited and Singapore’s SATS Ltd, eventually released a public statement:
“AISATS is aware of a video being circulated on social media that unfortunately, is completely out of context. Notwithstanding, we sincerely regret any emotional discomfort this may have caused.”
However, the apology has failed to calm public anger. Many felt that the company should have handled the timing and setting of such celebrations with more cultural and emotional awareness.
Details About The AI171 Plane Crash
The Air India AI171 flight was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed just seconds after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which reportedly suffered engine failure. The plane tragically crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel building, killing 241 onboard passengers and multiple people on the ground.
Victims included:
- 151 Indian citizens
- 34 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian
Due to the intensity of the crash and the resulting fire, DNA testing and forensic identification were required for most of the victims. The airline later announced Rs. 1 crore compensation for the families of the deceased.
Insensitive Timing Sparks Debate On Corporate Accountability
While some argue that internal office parties may be pre-scheduled and unrelated to recent events, the public sentiment clearly reflects a different reality. When a national carrier is associated with such a large-scale tragedy, every action from the staff is scrutinized. The viral DJ party video has only deepened public distrust, highlighting the disconnect between corporate environments and human empathy.
Final Thoughts
The nation is still grieving. For an airline that should be focused on accountability, safety checks, and supporting bereaved families, such videos represent a failure of judgment. While celebrations are not inherently wrong, timing, context, and empathy are everything.