The airline also announced immediate financial relief to the families of those who died in the accident and to those who were injured.

 

As many as 18 people, including two pilots were killed and several injured in the accident.

 

"The airline is adequately insured and will pay compensation in accordance with applicable law at the appropriate juncture," Air India Express said in a statement.

 

"To provide immediate relief, as an interim compensation Air India Express will give: Rs 10,00,000/-to the next kin of the deceased passenger 12 years and above; Rs 500,000/ to the passengers below the age of 12 years; Rs 200,000/- to critically injured passenger and Rs 50,000/- to the passenger who are injured in the incident," the airline said.

 

Air India Express has established a passenger information centre and a toll free number has been made available for family or friends of those who may have been on board of the ill-fated flight IX-1344. The toll free number is 1800222271. For those calling from abroad, international country code has to be added.

 

The Emergency Response Team Members and other teams of Air India with Air India Express team have already been sent to the accident scene. All will render necessary help to assist the emergency services and local authorities to aid the passengers, the airline said.