Global Aviation Body May Join Probe Into AI Crash

The International Civil Aviation Organisation is likely to join the investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash, officials aware of the matter said on Friday, adding that India had requested the UN aviation body to be an observer.

- Neha LM Tripathi

NEW DELHI:

The ICAO made a written request to the Indian government on June 20 seeking "observer status" for one of its investigators in the probe being led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), according to officials familiar with the development.

"The ICAO offered to be a part of the investigation due to its critical nature and significant public interest," an official said.

India has approved the request, with an ICAO official expected to be designated as observer within the next two days, the official added.