India's Worst Aviation Accidents: A History of Tragedy in the Skies

India witnessed a major aviation tragedy on Thursday afternoon when an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The incident occurred near Meghaninagar, just outside the airport perimeter, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering a large-scale emergency response.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. According to a statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including 222 passengers, 10 cabin crew members, and two pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar.

Footage has emerged of the Air India Flight 171 (AI171) crash in Ahmedabad.

The Boeing 787-8, bound for London Gatwick, was carrying 242 passengers and crew.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone on board. pic.twitter.com/uH4HrFdh3X

— Nicholas Lissack (@NicholasLissack) June 12, 2025

India's Worst Aviation Accidents: A History of Tragedy in the Skies

The crash of Air India Flight AI171 marks one of the gravest aviation disasters in recent memory. India has witnessed several catastrophic air accidents over the decades, many of which prompted reviews and reforms in aviation safety protocols. Below is a detailed look at some of the most significant air disasters in Indian history:

Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision (1996)The deadliest aviation accident in Indian airspace occurred on November 12, 1996, near the village of Charkhi Dadri in Haryana.

A Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 collided mid-air with a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin IL-76, killing all 349 people aboard both aircraft.

The accident was attributed to a critical lapse in altitude separation and communication issues involving the Kazakh crew, who reportedly descended lower than permitted in non-radar-controlled airspace.

Air India Express Flight 812, Mangalore (2010): On May 22, 2010, a Boeing 737 operating as Air India Express Flight 812 from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore International Airport.

The aircraft plunged into a gorge and caught fire, killing 158 of the 166 people onboard. Investigations revealed that the captain had continued with the landing despite multiple warnings from the co-pilot and onboard systems.

Air India Express Flight 1344, Kozhikode (2020): On August 7, 2020, another Air India Express flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway during heavy rains.

The Boeing 737 aircraft broke into two after falling into a valley. Eighteen people were killed, including both pilots, but 172 passengers survived.

Alliance Air Flight 7412, Patna (2000): On July 17, 2000, a Boeing 737 operated by Alliance Air crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Patna while attempting to land.

The crash killed all six crew members and 49 passengers, along with five people on the ground. Poor visibility, improper descent management, and a stall in the final moments of landing were cited as contributing factors.

Indian Airlines Flight IC605, Bangalore (1990): On February 14, 1990, Indian Airlines Flight IC605 from Mumbai to Bangalore crashed during its final approach due to pilot error. The aircraft touched down too early and skidded, hitting a golf course and catching fire.

Ninety-two people died in the accident. The tragedy led to enhancements in approach procedures and better runway approach lighting systems.

Indian Airlines Flight IC113, Ahmedabad (1988): Ironically, today's crash is not the first major aviation accident near Ahmedabad.

On October 19, 1988, Indian Airlines Flight IC113 crashed while attempting to land at the same airport under poor visibility. The aircraft hit a hill near the runway, killing 133 of the 135 people onboard. The investigation pointed to controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and inadequate visibility protocols.

Other Notable Incidents

Aurangabad (1993): An Indian Airlines aircraft collided with a truck during takeoff, killing 55 people.

Bombay (1982): An Air India plane crashed due to bad weather shortly after takeoff; 17 were killed.

Bandra (1978): An Air India flight crashed into the Arabian Sea off Mumbai, resulting in 213 fatalities.

Mumbai (1976): An Indian Airlines aircraft caught fire in-flight and crashed, killing 95 passengers.

With India expanding its aviation footprint to meet rising travel demand, experts emphasise the need for continued investment in infrastructure, pilot training, air traffic management, and emergency response systems.

The full details of today’s tragedy will take time to emerge, but the historical context makes one thing clear: the lessons of past disasters must guide the future of Indian aviation.