The recent crash of Air India Flight 171 has left a profound mark on the country’s aviation history. What was supposed to be a routine trip from Ahmedabad to London turned into an air disaster that claimed the lives of more than 270 people , marking the worst air disaster in India in more than ten years.
The crashed plane , a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12 , with 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew . Only one person survived the impact. Minutes after starting its climb, the aircraft lost power and crashed into a residential area of Meghani Nagar , further aggravating the tragedy by affecting people on the ground, including residents of a student hostel. Among the dead were students, workers and a pregnant woman, bringing the total number of victims to 274 . Given the magnitude of the incident, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson issued a public address expressing the airline’s grief and announcing concrete support measures. In his statement, he confirmed that each affected family will receive over 12.5 million rupees , equivalent to approximately US$133,000 , in financial compensation for the loss of their loved ones. This sum is in addition to the 1 million rupees previously guaranteed by Tata Sons , the airline’s parent company. Wilson asserted that the measure is not symbolic, but rather part of a firm commitment to those going through such a difficult time. He also indicated that specialized personnel have been deployed to assist families in both India and the United Kingdom. Care centers have been set up in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and London to support the repatriation process, return belongings, and provide psychological support.
One of the most harrowing moments of the case was the last communication from the flight’s captain, Sumeet Sabharwal , who reported problems shortly after takeoff. In his emergency call, he said: “Mayday… no thrust, losing power, unable to climb.” The control tower attempted to respond but received no further signals. The plane had barely reached 650 feet when it crashed.
The plane’s black boxes have already been recovered and are being analyzed by both Indian and British experts. The official investigation , which is expected to be extensive, seeks to determine whether the cause was a mechanical failure , a technical error, or a combination of factors. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized that the information extracted from the flight recorders will be key to understanding what happened. Meanwhile, at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital , work is underway to identify the bodies. Due to the impact and subsequent fire, many identifications depend on DNA testing , which has led to an agonizing wait for dozens of families. Hospital officials have asked for patience and assured them that the process is being carried out with the utmost rigor. Meanwhile, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a comprehensive review of the entire Boeing 787 fleet operated by Air India. These inspections have already begun and are part of a series of preventive measures aimed at ensuring the safety of future flights. The accident has sparked a wave of shock both nationally and internationally. The airline’s CEO concluded his message on an emotional note: “We are devastated. Every member of the Air India team deeply mourns this loss. Our duty now is to care for the families and pay tribute to those who are no longer with us . ” Flight 171 will be remembered not only for the magnitude of the tragedy, but also for the challenge it represents for the aviation industry and authorities. With the investigation underway and relief efforts underway, the country seeks answers and, above all, justice for the families affected by this devastating loss.
