Ahmedabad Plane Crash: 10 most tragic air disasters in Indian history after Air India flight disaster
Air India Flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 241 people. Here’s a look at India’s worst aviation disasters, from Charkhi Dadri to Kozhikode and beyond.
Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025, killing 241 people. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner struck a residential area, erupting into flames. This tragic event marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India. From the Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision to the Kozhikode runway accident, here’s a look at some of the worst air crashes in Indian aviation history involving Air India and other carriers.
2025 Ahmedabad Air India crash kills over 240
On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying to London crashed into Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad. The plane was piloted by Capt. Sumit Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kunder. Initial reports confirm massive casualties among the 242 people onboard.
2020 Kozhikode runway tragedy leaves 21 dead
In August 2020, an Air India Express Boeing 737 skidded off a wet runway in Kozhikode during heavy rain. The aircraft plunged into a valley, killing 21 people, including both pilots.
2010 Mangaluru airport crash kills 158
A Dubai-Mangaluru Air India flight overshot the runway in May 2010 and crashed into a gorge. The Boeing 737 burst into flames, claiming 158 lives in one of India’s deadliest aviation accidents.
2000 Patna residential area crash claims 50+ lives
In July 2000, an Alliance Air flight from Kolkata to Delhi crashed into a densely populated Patna neighborhood. Over 50 people were killed in the crash and the ensuing fire.
1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision kills 350
India’s deadliest air disaster occurred in November 1996 when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight and a Kazakhstan Airlines plane collided mid-air over Haryana. A total of 350 lives were lost.
1993 Aurangabad takeoff crash kills 55
In April 1993, an Indian Airlines Boeing 737 crashed during takeoff in Aurangabad. The crash claimed 55 lives due to a suspected bird strike and technical failure.
1991 Imphal hills crash leaves 69 dead
An Indian Airlines flight approaching Imphal in August 1991 crashed into hilly terrain during descent. All 69 passengers and crew members perished in the tragedy.
1988 Ahmedabad landing crash kills 130+
In October 1988, over 130 people were killed when an Indian Airlines flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad crashed while attempting to land in poor visibility conditions.
1978 Arabian Sea plunge claims 213 lives
In January 1978, an Air India aircraft lost control soon after takeoff from Mumbai and plunged into the Arabian Sea. All 213 passengers were killed in the fatal incident.
1973 Delhi approach crash kills 48, including Minister
icrashed near Delhi’s Palam Airport in May 1973 after hitting high-tension wires during approach in stormy weather. Of the 65 people onboard, 48 died—including Union Minister Mohan Kumaramangalam.