- विज्ञापन -
The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, has sent shockwaves across India and beyond. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, resulted in the deaths of 242 passengers and crew members, along with five local residents in the Meghani Nagar area. The former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a well-respected political figure, was also among the passengers died in the plane crash.
This fatal incident has been labelled as one of the most devastating plane crashes in Indian aviation history. Leaders and citizens alike have expressed deep sorrow, with global condolences pouring in from political figures, celebrities, and ordinary people.
In the wake of the recent crash, initial findings from a probe have revealed that technical glitches were the primary cause, leading to the tragic accident just seconds after take-off. The revelation has once again spotlighted long-standing concerns regarding the airline’s safety standards.
Owned by the Tata Group, Air India has faced repeated scrutiny over its operational safety, with several incidents in the past attributed to mechanical failures and technical shortcomings. While investigations are still ongoing, aviation experts have pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, but part of a troubling pattern that raises serious questions about aircraft maintenance and safety protocols within the airline.
Let’s take a look at some past cases implicating poor conditions or technical glitches in Air India flights — putting passengers’ lives at stake:
Air India Express Flight 1344 (August 7, 2020, Kozhikode, Kerala):
A Boeing 737-800 overshot the runway at Calicut International Airport during heavy rain, falling into a 35-foot gorge and breaking apart. Of 190 people on board, 21 died, including both pilots.
Cause: Pilot error (failure to follow landing procedures in adverse weather) and inadequate runway safety areas.
Air India Flight 403 (June 22, 1982, Mumbai):
A Boeing 707 overshot the runway during landing in heavy rain, skidding off and catching fire. Of 111 people on board, 17 died.
Cause: Poor weather, inadequate runway friction, and pilot error in managing the landing. Maintenance records showed prior issues with the aircraft’s braking system.
Air India Flight 855 (January 1, 1978, Mumbai):
A Boeing 747 crashed into the Arabian Sea minutes after takeoff from Mumbai, killing all 213 on board.
Cause: Faulty flight instruments (attitude indicator) and cockpit confusion led to a loss of control. Maintenance oversight was a contributing factor.
Conditions Revealed: The crash exposed Air India’s inadequate maintenance checks and outdated equipment, highlighting systemic safety issues.
Air India Express Flight 812 (May 22, 2010, Mangalore):
A Boeing 737-800 crashed after overshooting the runway during landing, killing 158 of 166 people on board.
Cause: Pilot error (fatigue and improper descent) and failure to abort the landing. The aircraft’s maintenance was not directly implicated, but Air India Express’s training and scheduling practices were criticized.
Conditions Revealed: The crash highlighted overstretched crew schedules and inadequate safety protocols at Air India Express, reflecting broader operational challenges.
Air India Flight 101 (January 24, 1966, Mont Blanc, France):
A Boeing 707 crashed into Mont Blanc during descent to Geneva, killing all 117 on board.
Cause: Miscommunication with air traffic control and possible instrument failure. Maintenance issues with the aircraft’s navigation systems were suspected.
Conditions Revealed: Air India’s fleet maintenance and pilot training for international routes were questioned, exposing gaps in safety standards.
Persistent Technical Glitches on Air India Flights Spark Passenger Outrage
In May 2025, A Gurugram-based man travelling from Delhi to Bhubaneswar on an Air India Express flight raised serious concerns online after the aircraft’s air conditioning allegedly failed mid-air. Moments shared from the flight showed visibly distressed passengers coping with extreme heat.
Man, calls ‘unbearable experience’ on Air India Express flight after AC failure
Additionally, Hours before AI171 crash (June 12, 2025): A passenger who flew on the same Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner just two hours before its fatal crash in Ahmedabad reported non-functional AC, cabin crew call buttons, reading lights, and TV screens. Passengers were seen fanning themselves with in-flight magazines due to the heat.
Passenger complaint on AI171 (June 12, 2025): Entrepreneur Akash Vatsa, who travelled from Delhi to Ahmedabad on the same aircraft before its crash, posted a video showing AC failure and malfunctioning entertainment systems. His post went viral, raising concerns about technical issues before the crash.
Recurring AC failures on Air India flights: Over the years, passengers have frequently reported AC malfunctions on various Air India flights, leading to discomfort and frustration. Some incidents involved crew manually adjusting cabin temperature, while others resulted in passengers demanding immediate fixes.
These incidents have raised concerns about maintenance and safety protocols in Air India’s fleet. While, Investigations are still ongoing to determine whether technical faults contributed to the AI171 crash.
