The victims of the ill-fated London-bound Air India flight crash are still being identified by the forensic team through DNA samples. At least 190 have been identified and 159 mortal remains have been handed over to the families, an official confirmed on Wednesday (June 18).&nbsp;&nbsp;“Till Wednesday morning, 190 DNA samples have been matched, and 159 bodies have already been handed over to the respective families. The process of matching other bodies is still on,” Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi told reporters.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahmedabad-plane-crash-black-box-recovered-from-ai-171-flight-wreckage-1749801048348">Ahmedabad plane crash: Black box recovered from Air India AI-171 flight wreckage</a>&nbsp;The crash that took place in Ahmedabad only saw one miracle survivor Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, who came out of the aircraft moments before it burst into flames. Speaking to state media Doordarshan, he said, "The side where I was sitting wasn't on the hostel side, it was the ground floor of the hostel. I don't know about others, but the place I was sitting that portion landed on the ground floor, and there was some space. As soon as my door broke, I saw that there was some space, and then I tried to get out, and I got out. There was a building wall on the opposite side, and the plane had crashed completely on that side, so probably that is why nobody could get out from that side. There was space only where I was. I don't know how I survived."&nbsp;India witnessed a horrific aviation disaster on June 12 as Air India flight AI-171 crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane burst into flames after piercing through a medical college mess, where young doctors were having their meals. The Police have now confirmed that 265 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, which includes 5 MBBS students.&nbsp;&nbsp;A high-level government committee has been formed to investigate the crash and a thorough report on the incident will be recorded and to be submitted in 3 months.

The victims of the ill-fated London-bound Air India flight crash are still being identified by the forensic team through DNA samples. At least 190 have been identified and 159 mortal remains have been handed over to the families, an official confirmed on Wednesday (June 18).

The victims of the ill-fated London-bound Air India flight crash are still being identified by the forensic team through DNA samples. At least 190 have been identified and 159 mortal remains have been handed over to the families, an official confirmed on Wednesday (June 18). “Till Wednesday morning, 190 DNA samples have been matched, and 159 bodies have already been handed over to the respective families. The process of matching other bodies is still on,” Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi told reporters. Also read: Ahmedabad plane crash: Black box recovered from Air India AI-171 flight wreckage The crash that took place in Ahmedabad only saw one miracle survivor Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, who came out of the aircraft moments before it burst into flames. Speaking to state media Doordarshan, he said, "The side where I was sitting wasn't on the hostel side, it was the ground floor of the hostel. I don't know about others, but the place I was sitting that portion landed on the ground floor, and there was some space. As soon as my door broke, I saw that there was some space, and then I tried to get out, and I got out. There was a building wall on the opposite side, and the plane had crashed completely on that side, so probably that is why nobody could get out from that side. There was space only where I was. I don't know how I survived." India witnessed a horrific aviation disaster on June 12 as Air India flight AI-171 crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane burst into flames after piercing through a medical college mess, where young doctors were having their meals. The Police have now confirmed that 265 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, which includes 5 MBBS students. A high-level government committee has been formed to investigate the crash and a thorough report on the incident will be recorded and to be submitted in 3 months.

The victims of the ill-fated London-bound Air India flight crash are still being identified by the forensic team through DNA samples. At least 190 have been identified and 159 mortal remains have been handed over to the families, an official confirmed on Wednesday (June 18).

190 Ahmedabad plane crash victims identified by DNA sampling, 159 handed over to family

Air India on Tuesday (Jun 17) cancelled its rebranded Ahmedabad-London Gatwick service - AI 159 - citing "operational issues". No specific reason has been provided at this time.&nbsp;Prior to that, an IndiGo flight from Muscat made an emergency landing at Nagpur airport after a bomb threat was received. DCP Nagpur Lohit Matani said that all passengers have been deboarded from flight number 6E 2706. He further added that an investigation is underway and nothing suspicious has been found so far. This comes days after the Ahmedabad plane crash that killed 241 on board.&nbsp;&nbsp;A series of technical snags and emergency landings of airplanes have emerged after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12. The DNA reports of those killed in the crash are expected today. The plane crashed into the mess building of the BJ Medical College, killing several others.&nbsp;<h2>List of technical issues faced by airlines post Ahmedabad plane crash</h2>&nbsp;1. Earlier today, an Air India flight from San Francisco to Mumbai suffered a technical snag in one of its engines and made an unscheduled stop in Kolkata.&nbsp; &nbsp;2. On Jun 16, Air India Flight AI315 returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to a midair technical issue. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were later rebooked on alternative flights to Delhi. &nbsp;3. On Jun 16, a major mishap was narrowly averted at Lucknow Airport on Sunday morning when a Saudi Airlines flight carrying Hajj pilgrims developed a technical glitch during landing, with sparks and smoke erupting from the aircraft’s wheel as it touched down on the runway. &nbsp;4. On Jun 15, a flight from Delhi to Zurich was significantly delayed due to mandatory checks on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, pushing its arrival close to Switzerland's night curfew window. &nbsp;5. On Jun 15, a Lufthansa flight en route to Hyderabad was forced to turn back to Frankfurt after a bomb threat led to the denial of landing clearance. &nbsp;6. On Jun 15, Air India Delhi-Vadodara flight (AI 819) returned to IGI Airport within half an hour of take-off after a suspected snag with the landing gear. &nbsp;7. On Jun 15, passengers on Air India Express flight IX-1226 from Guwahati to Kolkata endured a 18-hour delay after their aircraft was grounded twice due to a technical snag.&nbsp;

All passengers have been deboarded from the Indigo flight and investigation is underway. It is the eighth such incident in five days after Ahmedabad plane crash

Air India on Tuesday (Jun 17) cancelled its rebranded Ahmedabad-London Gatwick service - AI 159 - citing "operational issues". No specific reason has been provided at this time. Prior to that, an IndiGo flight from Muscat made an emergency landing at Nagpur airport after a bomb threat was received. DCP Nagpur Lohit Matani said that all passengers have been deboarded from flight number 6E 2706. He further added that an investigation is underway and nothing suspicious has been found so far. This comes days after the Ahmedabad plane crash that killed 241 on board. A series of technical snags and emergency landings of airplanes have emerged after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12. The DNA reports of those killed in the crash are expected today. The plane crashed into the mess building of the BJ Medical College, killing several others. List of technical issues faced by airlines post Ahmedabad plane crash 1. Earlier today, an Air India flight from San Francisco to Mumbai suffered a technical snag in one of its engines and made an unscheduled stop in Kolkata. 2. On Jun 16, Air India Flight AI315 returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to a midair technical issue. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were later rebooked on alternative flights to Delhi. 3. On Jun 16, a major mishap was narrowly averted at Lucknow Airport on Sunday morning when a Saudi Airlines flight carrying Hajj pilgrims developed a technical glitch during landing, with sparks and smoke erupting from the aircraft’s wheel as it touched down on the runway. 4. On Jun 15, a flight from Delhi to Zurich was significantly delayed due to mandatory checks on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, pushing its arrival close to Switzerland's night curfew window. 5. On Jun 15, a Lufthansa flight en route to Hyderabad was forced to turn back to Frankfurt after a bomb threat led to the denial of landing clearance. 6. On Jun 15, Air India Delhi-Vadodara flight (AI 819) returned to IGI Airport within half an hour of take-off after a suspected snag with the landing gear. 7. On Jun 15, passengers on Air India Express flight IX-1226 from Guwahati to Kolkata endured a 18-hour delay after their aircraft was grounded twice due to a technical snag.

All passengers have been deboarded from the Indigo flight and investigation is underway. It is the eighth such incident in five days after Ahmedabad plane crash

9 incidents in 5 days: Air India's London-Ahmedabad flight cancelled, IndiGo makes emergency landing | Fear in the air continues

DNA matching of 131 victims of the Air India crash that claimed at least 270 lives has been completed. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday (Jun 16) revealed that DNA samples of 131 victims had been successfully matched. The mortal remains of 83 people have already been handed over to relatives, he added.<h2>DNA matching almost done?</h2>Reports suggest that the heart-wrenching task of identifying victims of the Air India Dreamliner crash is nearing completion.The crash, which occurred on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has been labelled India’s worst single-aircraft tragedy in recent memory.Speaking from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, where teams from both FSL and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have been working non-stop, Sanghavi commended the round-the-clock efforts of scientists and police. "...For the last many days, FSL and NFSU teams are tirelessly working round the clock. Till 10:58 pm, 131 patients' DNA have been matched, and in some time, 6 more DNA certificates will be sent to the Civil Hospital..." he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-air-india-flight-faces-technical-glitch-passengers-forced-to-deplane-in-kolkata-1750129432699">Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, passengers forced to deplane in Kolkata</a>The painstaking process, involving 54 forensic experts from across Gujarat — including laboratories in Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad — is expected to conclude by Tuesday evening or early Wednesday.Dr Rakesh Joshi, superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, told reporters that the "DNA profiling all the victims will be completed by either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.""We are trying our best to finish this process as soon as possible," he added.The crash of Flight AI-171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, killed 241 of the 242 onboard — including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani — and at least 30 more on the ground when the aircraft crashed into a hostel building. The lone survivor of the horrific tragedy remains critical. &nbsp;

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday (Jun 16) revealed that DNA samples of 131 victims had been successfully matched. The mortal remains of 83 people have already been handed over to relatives, he added.

DNA matching of 131 victims of the Air India crash that claimed at least 270 lives has been completed. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday (Jun 16) revealed that DNA samples of 131 victims had been successfully matched. The mortal remains of 83 people have already been handed over to relatives, he added. DNA matching almost done? Reports suggest that the heart-wrenching task of identifying victims of the Air India Dreamliner crash is nearing completion. The crash, which occurred on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has been labelled India’s worst single-aircraft tragedy in recent memory. Speaking from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, where teams from both FSL and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have been working non-stop, Sanghavi commended the round-the-clock efforts of scientists and police. "...For the last many days, FSL and NFSU teams are tirelessly working round the clock. Till 10:58 pm, 131 patients' DNA have been matched, and in some time, 6 more DNA certificates will be sent to the Civil Hospital..." he said. Also read | Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, passengers forced to deplane in Kolkata The painstaking process, involving 54 forensic experts from across Gujarat — including laboratories in Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad — is expected to conclude by Tuesday evening or early Wednesday. Dr Rakesh Joshi, superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, told reporters that the "DNA profiling all the victims will be completed by either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning." "We are trying our best to finish this process as soon as possible," he added. The crash of Flight AI-171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, killed 241 of the 242 onboard — including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani — and at least 30 more on the ground when the aircraft crashed into a hostel building. The lone survivor of the horrific tragedy remains critical.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday (Jun 16) revealed that DNA samples of 131 victims had been successfully matched. The mortal remains of 83 people have already been handed over to relatives, he added.

Air India crash: 131 victims identified, DNA matching nears completion

Some posts even stressed that the pattern is a sign of history repeating itself, with warnings of war, disasters, and global revolution, turmoil and chaos.

Some posts even stressed that the pattern is a sign of history repeating itself, with warnings of war, disasters, and global revolution, turmoil and chaos.

2025 could be reviving the ghost of 1941! Is it a cursed year? Let’s decode..

Three days after Air India Flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing nearly 270 people, including 241 of the 242 people on board, investigators have recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage.With the discovery of the two black boxes, the Cockpit Voice Recorder as well as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), previously discovered, could help identify what caused India's deadliest air disaster in recent memory.<h2>Both Air India crash black boxes located</h2>As per reports, officials confirmed the recovery of the two black boxes to P K Mishra, the principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principal secretary, P.K. Mishra, who visited the crash site on Sunday and spoke with injured victims at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.In a press release the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) said, "Chairing a high-level review meeting at Circuit House, here Dr Mishra discussed ongoing relief, rescue, and investigation efforts with senior officials from the Central and State Governments, AAIB, and Airports Authority of India.""Officials confirmed to Dr Mishra that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been located and secured," it confirmed.Following his visit to the crash site, Mishra said, “I am very pained by the enormity of the tragedy. Everybody is sad. It is our duty to share grief and express our feelings for the victims.”<h2>Air India crash probe panel set to meet Monday</h2>A multi-agency government panel, chaired by India's Home Secretary, will begin work on Monday (June 16) to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.<h2>Global investigations underway</h2>India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched parallel investigations. NTSB's involvement comes from the fact that the downed aircraft was a US-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner.As per reports, on Sunday, Boeing engineers and UK-based aviation experts visited the crash site under heavy security. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered, officials confirmed.

With the discovery of the two black boxes, the Cockpit Voice Recorder as well as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), previously discovered, could help identify what caused India's deadliest air disaster in recent memory.

Three days after Air India Flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing nearly 270 people, including 241 of the 242 people on board, investigators have recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage. With the discovery of the two black boxes, the Cockpit Voice Recorder as well as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), previously discovered, could help identify what caused India's deadliest air disaster in recent memory. Both Air India crash black boxes located As per reports, officials confirmed the recovery of the two black boxes to P K Mishra, the principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principal secretary, P.K. Mishra, who visited the crash site on Sunday and spoke with injured victims at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. In a press release the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) said, "Chairing a high-level review meeting at Circuit House, here Dr Mishra discussed ongoing relief, rescue, and investigation efforts with senior officials from the Central and State Governments, AAIB, and Airports Authority of India." "Officials confirmed to Dr Mishra that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been located and secured," it confirmed. Following his visit to the crash site, Mishra said, “I am very pained by the enormity of the tragedy. Everybody is sad. It is our duty to share grief and express our feelings for the victims.” Air India crash probe panel set to meet Monday A multi-agency government panel, chaired by India's Home Secretary, will begin work on Monday (June 16) to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Global investigations underway India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched parallel investigations. NTSB's involvement comes from the fact that the downed aircraft was a US-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner. As per reports, on Sunday, Boeing engineers and UK-based aviation experts visited the crash site under heavy security. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered, officials confirmed.

With the discovery of the two black boxes, the Cockpit Voice Recorder as well as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), previously discovered, could help identify what caused India's deadliest air disaster in recent memory.

Air India plane crash: Cockpit Voice Recorder recovered, both black box of Boeing 787 found in Ahmedabad

Three days after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash, authorities on Sunday (June 15) confirmed that 80 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified through DNA matching.Hospital authorities also revealed that the remains of 33 victims have been handed over to their families.The plane crash, which saw Air India Flight AI 171 crash and hit the building of the BJ Medical College, has killed at least 271 people, including 241 of the 242 passengers and crew onboard. This makes it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history.<h2>Hundreds of victims yet to be identified</h2>With 80 victims identified, at least 191 others remain to be identified. As per reports, the painstakingly slow identification process has been deeply painful for grieving relatives who have voiced their frustration.Pointing at delays in victim identification and perceived gaps in Air India's crisis response, Imtiyaz Ali, whose brother was among the passengers, noted that it has been 72 hours.As quoted by the Hindustan Times, Ali said, "the next day after this accident they should have appointed whoever they needed to ensure everything is available to us". He revealed that a support person was assigned to him a day after providing his DNA sample.Meanwhile, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said Saturday that over 200 trained caregivers have now been deployed to assist affected families.<h2>Day of mourning in Gujarat</h2>Monday has been declared a day of mourning in Gujarat, with the national flag to fly at half-mast.Sunday marked the first cremations of crash victims whose remains were confirmed via DNA. Eight earlier funerals had been held for locals killed in the crash, whose bodies did not require forensic identification.On Monday, former chief minister Rupani's funeral will take place in Rajkot.<h2>Air India crash probe panel set to meet Monday</h2>A multi-agency government panel, chaired by India's Home Secretary, will begin work on Monday (June 16) to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.<h2>Global investigations underway</h2>India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched parallel investigations. NTSB's involvement comes from the fact that the downed aircraft was a US-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner.As per reports, on Sunday, Boeing engineers and UK-based aviation experts visited the crash site under heavy security. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered, officials confirmed.&nbsp;

Air India crash: 80 victims identified using DNA, 33 bodies handed over to families; crash probe panel to meet today


Three days after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash, authorities on Sunday (June 15) confirmed that 80 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified through DNA matching. Hospital authorities also revealed that the remains of 33 victims have been handed over to their families. The plane crash, which saw Air India Flight AI 171 crash and hit the building of the BJ Medical College, has killed at least 271 people, including 241 of the 242 passengers and crew onboard. This makes it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history. Hundreds of victims yet to be identified With 80 victims identified, at least 191 others remain to be identified. As per reports, the painstakingly slow identification process has been deeply painful for grieving relatives who have voiced their frustration. Pointing at delays in victim identification and perceived gaps in Air India's crisis response, Imtiyaz Ali, whose brother was among the passengers, noted that it has been 72 hours. As quoted by the Hindustan Times, Ali said, "the next day after this accident they should have appointed whoever they needed to ensure everything is available to us". He revealed that a support person was assigned to him a day after providing his DNA sample. Meanwhile, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said Saturday that over 200 trained caregivers have now been deployed to assist affected families. Day of mourning in Gujarat Monday has been declared a day of mourning in Gujarat, with the national flag to fly at half-mast. Sunday marked the first cremations of crash victims whose remains were confirmed via DNA. Eight earlier funerals had been held for locals killed in the crash, whose bodies did not require forensic identification. On Monday, former chief minister Rupani's funeral will take place in Rajkot. Air India crash probe panel set to meet Monday A multi-agency government panel, chaired by India's Home Secretary, will begin work on Monday (June 16) to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Global investigations underway India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched parallel investigations. NTSB's involvement comes from the fact that the downed aircraft was a US-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner. As per reports, on Sunday, Boeing engineers and UK-based aviation experts visited the crash site under heavy security. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered, officials confirmed.

With 80 victims identified, at least 191 others remain to be identified. As per reports, the painstakingly slow identification process has been deeply painful for grieving relatives who have voiced their frustration.

Air India crash: 80 victims identified using DNA, 33 bodies handed over to families; crash probe panel to meet today

The Bell 407 can carry up to 6 passengers and a pilot. It cruises at speeds of around 220 km/h and has a range of over 600 km. Its Rolls-Royce engine and advanced rotor system allow it to perform reasonably well in thin air and hilly terrains, key for places like Kedarnath.

The Bell 407 can carry up to 6 passengers and a pilot. It cruises at speeds of around 220 km/h and has a range of over 600 km. Its Rolls-Royce engine and advanced rotor system allow it to perform reasonably well in thin air and hilly terrains, key for places like Kedarnath.

What is 'Bell 407' helicopter involved in Kedarnath crash and how reliable is it?

In the wake of the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, aviation experts are revisiting critical differences between aircraft designs, including cockpit layouts. Boeing and Airbus, the two largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, have markedly different cockpit philosophies.

In the wake of the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, aviation experts are revisiting critical differences between aircraft designs, including cockpit layouts. Boeing and Airbus, the two largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, have markedly different cockpit philosophies.

Ahmedabad plane crash: How Boeing and Airbus cockpits differ and why it matters

The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry briefed the media on the passenger aircraft that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12). The Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his grief on the incident.&nbsp;"I also lost my father in a road accident. So I can understand the pain of family members to a certain level," he said.&nbsp;"I personally rushed to the site to oversee what support needed to be provided. And that was the attitude of the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India," he said.&nbsp;The ministry said that it was informed of the incident by the Ahmedabad ATC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Naidu said that all Boeing 787 aircraft were to be inspected. He said that 8 of them have already been inspected.&nbsp;"The aviation ministry is taking utmost seriousness of the incident. AAIB was rushed to the site to investigate. AAIB added two new members yesterday - Forensics &amp; Medical. Around 5 PM yesterday, the black box of the aircraft was recovered from the debris of the aircraft," Naidu said.&nbsp;“The team believes that the decoding of the black box is going to give an in-depth insight into what happened during the time of the crash,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"AAIB team believes the decoding of the black box is going to give an in-depth insight into what happened," he added.&nbsp;"It would be much better to have another committee overlooking this crash and safety. Yesterday, we constituted the committee under the chairmanship of the Home Secretary," Naidu added.&nbsp;He said that the rescue operation is still on and bodies are being removed from trhe debris.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Once I arrived, the Govt of Gujarat had already put in the necessary rescue teams working on ground trying to rescue whatever is possible, cut down the fire, move the debris so bodies can be sent to the hospital at the earliest,” Naidu said in the briefing.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian Civil Aviation Ministry holds press briefing on Ahmedabad crash

The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry briefed the media on the passenger aircraft that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12). The Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his grief on the incident. "I also lost my father in a road accident. So I can understand the pain of family members to a certain level," he said. "I personally rushed to the site to oversee what support needed to be provided. And that was the attitude of the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India," he said. The ministry said that it was informed of the incident by the Ahmedabad ATC. Naidu said that all Boeing 787 aircraft were to be inspected. He said that 8 of them have already been inspected. "The aviation ministry is taking utmost seriousness of the incident. AAIB was rushed to the site to investigate. AAIB added two new members yesterday - Forensics & Medical. Around 5 PM yesterday, the black box of the aircraft was recovered from the debris of the aircraft," Naidu said. “The team believes that the decoding of the black box is going to give an in-depth insight into what happened during the time of the crash,” he said. "AAIB team believes the decoding of the black box is going to give an in-depth insight into what happened," he added. "It would be much better to have another committee overlooking this crash and safety. Yesterday, we constituted the committee under the chairmanship of the Home Secretary," Naidu added. He said that the rescue operation is still on and bodies are being removed from trhe debris. “Once I arrived, the Govt of Gujarat had already put in the necessary rescue teams working on ground trying to rescue whatever is possible, cut down the fire, move the debris so bodies can be sent to the hospital at the earliest,” Naidu said in the briefing.

The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry briefed the media on the passenger aircraft that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12). The Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his grief on the incident.&nbsp;

All Boeing 787 aircraft to be inspected; 8 have already been done: Aviation Ministry after Ahmedabad crash

An Air India aircraft with 242 people onboard crashed in the Indian state of Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12).&nbsp;According to latest reports, at least 274 people have lost their lives in one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India. The fatalities include passengers, crew members aboard the flight AI 171, and several individuals on the ground.<h2>Dozens injured, medical professionals killed</h2>A part of the plane fell on top of the dining area of BJ Medical College, killing at least five medical students and injuring nearly 50.&nbsp;According to Divyansh Singh, vice president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, a national body that represents resident doctors across the country. He said, “Some of the injured are critical. We are in close contact with our peers in the hospital who are on a lookout for more people feared buried in the debris.”<h2>Committee formed</h2>In the aftermath of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash that took hundreds of lives, the ministry of civil aviation has announced the formation of a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement on X, the Ministry of Civil Aviation wrote, “A High Level Multi-Disciplinary Committee is constituted for examining the causes leading to the crash of the Air India Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport (London) on June 12, 2025. The Committee will examine the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and handle such occurrences and suggest comprehensive guidelines for dealing with such instances in the future.”&nbsp;“The Committee will not be a substitute to other enquiries being conducted by relevant organisations but will focus on formulating SOPs for preventing and handling such occurrences in the future," it added.&nbsp;In its order, the ministry of civil aviation said that the committee will publish its report within three months. The committee will have access to all records, including, among others, flight data, cockpit voice recorders, aircraft maintenance records, ATC Log and witness testimonies; conduct site inspections; interview crew, air traffic controllers and relevant personnel; collaborate with international agencies if foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers are involved. &nbsp;The aircraft, carrying 242 people — 230 passengers, two pilots, and 10 cabin crew, crashed into a medical college just seconds after departing from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick Airport on June 12 (Thursday).&nbsp;&nbsp;Only one person, a British national of Indian origin, survived the accident. Among those killed was former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani.

At least 274 people lost their lives in one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India, involving an Air India flight bound for London that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, according to sources on Saturday.

An Air India aircraft with 242 people onboard crashed in the Indian state of Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12). According to latest reports, at least 274 people have lost their lives in one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India. The fatalities include passengers, crew members aboard the flight AI 171, and several individuals on the ground. Dozens injured, medical professionals killed A part of the plane fell on top of the dining area of BJ Medical College, killing at least five medical students and injuring nearly 50. According to Divyansh Singh, vice president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, a national body that represents resident doctors across the country. He said, “Some of the injured are critical. We are in close contact with our peers in the hospital who are on a lookout for more people feared buried in the debris.” Committee formed In the aftermath of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash that took hundreds of lives, the ministry of civil aviation has announced the formation of a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disaster. In a statement on X, the Ministry of Civil Aviation wrote, “A High Level Multi-Disciplinary Committee is constituted for examining the causes leading to the crash of the Air India Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport (London) on June 12, 2025. The Committee will examine the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and handle such occurrences and suggest comprehensive guidelines for dealing with such instances in the future.” “The Committee will not be a substitute to other enquiries being conducted by relevant organisations but will focus on formulating SOPs for preventing and handling such occurrences in the future," it added. In its order, the ministry of civil aviation said that the committee will publish its report within three months. The committee will have access to all records, including, among others, flight data, cockpit voice recorders, aircraft maintenance records, ATC Log and witness testimonies; conduct site inspections; interview crew, air traffic controllers and relevant personnel; collaborate with international agencies if foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers are involved. The aircraft, carrying 242 people — 230 passengers, two pilots, and 10 cabin crew, crashed into a medical college just seconds after departing from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick Airport on June 12 (Thursday). Only one person, a British national of Indian origin, survived the accident. Among those killed was former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani.

The plane, en route to London, had taken off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.38 pm IST

Ahmedabad plane crash: Death toll rises to 274; government forms high-level probe committee

History repeated itself 27 years later when a British-Indian man, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived a plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12). The 40-year-old was seated in 11A of the Air India plane, which went down 30 seconds after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport. In 1998, a Thai Airways plane crashed, killing 101 people. There were a few survivors, including Thai singer James Ruangsak Loychusak, who was in the exact seat number - 11A.&nbsp;Ruangsak has expressed shock at the coincidence after hearing about the miracle survivor. In a Facebook post, Ruangsak wrote, "Survivor of a plane crash in India. He sat in the same seat as me. 11A."&nbsp;“Goosebumps. My condolences to all those who lost.”&nbsp;The Thai singer was on Thai Airways flight TG261 which crashed while attempting to land in December 1998. It was travelling from Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport to Surat Thani International Airport in Surat Thani. There were a total of 146 people on board the plane, including 132 passengers and 14 crew members. &nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahmedabad-plane-crash-portion-i-was-seat-at-landed-on-ground-floor-lone-survivor-narrates-miraculous-escape-1749799826032">Ahmedabad plane crash: 'Portion I was seated at, landed on ground floor': Lone survivor narrates miraculous escape</a>&nbsp;The captain of the flight, Pinit Vechasilp, had 10,167 flight hours, while the first officer, Saen Chalermsaenyakorn, had 2,839 flight hours.&nbsp;

<h2>Thai singer Ruangsak was traumatised for life</h2>&nbsp;Ruangsak was one of the survivors and was so traumatised by the accident that he didn't fly again for almost 10 years. He was travelling for a performance and the incident left him emotionally scarred forever, The Telegraph reported.&nbsp;The Air India flight AI171 was going to London Gatwick with 242 people on board. The plane was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Ramesh only vaguely managed to recall how he escaped the tragic accident. He says he doesn't know how he survived. His seat was right next to the emergency door, and it came off when the plane crashed into the hostel building.&nbsp;He unbuckled his seat belt and escaped through it. Talking to the media, Ramesh recalled, "For a while, I thought I was about to die. But when I opened my eyes, I saw I was alive. And I opened my seat belt and got out of there. The airhostess and aunty uncle all died before my eyes."&nbsp;He said he was closer to the ground floor and there was space to escape. Immediately after, the plane caught fire. Ramesh is being treated at a hospital where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid him a visit.&nbsp;

Ahmedabad plane crash: In 1998, Thai singer James Ruangsak Loychusak, in seat 11A, survived a plane crash. 27 years later, another man in the same seat escaped an accident that killed everyone but him.

History repeated itself 27 years later when a British-Indian man, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived a plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12). The 40-year-old was seated in 11A of the Air India plane, which went down 30 seconds after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport. In 1998, a Thai Airways plane crashed, killing 101 people. There were a few survivors, including Thai singer James Ruangsak Loychusak, who was in the exact seat number - 11A. Ruangsak has expressed shock at the coincidence after hearing about the miracle survivor. In a Facebook post, Ruangsak wrote, "Survivor of a plane crash in India. He sat in the same seat as me. 11A." “Goosebumps. My condolences to all those who lost.” The Thai singer was on Thai Airways flight TG261 which crashed while attempting to land in December 1998. It was travelling from Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport to Surat Thani International Airport in Surat Thani. There were a total of 146 people on board the plane, including 132 passengers and 14 crew members.

Ahmedabad plane crash: In 1998, Thai singer James Ruangsak Loychusak, in seat 11A, survived a plane crash. 27 years later, another man in the same seat escaped an accident that killed everyone but him.

'He sat in the same...': 27 years ago, a Thai singer survived plane crash. His seat number? 11A

Viswashkumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, has been identified as the only survivor of the Air India Flight 171 crash, the tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 265 people.

Viswashkumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, has been identified as the only survivor of the Air India Flight 171 crash, the tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 265 people.

Ahmedabad plane crash: Who is Viswashkumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of Air India AI-171 tragedy?

The Air India crash on Thursday in Ahmedabad could turn out to be India's most expensive aviation claim. Liabilities are expected to range between $211 million and $280 million, or up to Rs 2,400 crore. Flight accident insurance is offered on all flights and can start from as little as Rs 10 and go up to Rs 500, depending on the distance and coverage. Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was going to London Gatwick with 242 people, of whom 241 died.&nbsp;It took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm and crashed within 30 seconds after failing to gain elevation. The deceased include 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and a Canadian national. One passenger miraculously survived by jumping off the plane.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahmedabad-plane-crash-black-box-recovered-from-ai-171-flight-wreckage-1749801048348">Ahmedabad plane crash: Black box recovered from Air India AI-171 flight wreckage</a>&nbsp;Flight accident insurance typically offers compensation to those affected in case of an injury or death. It can be claimed in three scenarios: if a passenger dies due to an aircraft-related incident, the nominee is given the amount. The insurance also applies to emergency medical expenses in case a passenger is injured and seeks surgery, treatment and post-treatment care. It can also be claimed if one suffers permanent or temporary disabilities due to a flight-related incident.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahmedabad-plane-crash-dna-samples-of-victims-collected-for-identification-rescue-operation-concludes-1749796131369">Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA samples of victims collected for identification, rescue operation concludes</a>&nbsp;Airlines have fleet insurance policies, which cover risks such as aircraft hulls, spare parts, and liabilities to passengers and third parties, Ramaswamy Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC), told NDTV. In case of the Air India crash, claims are expected under both hull and liability. The total amount doled out will factor in things like the age of the deceased, among other things.&nbsp;Amit Agarwal, CEO and MD at Howden India, says the amount can go up as high as $280 million.The Dreamliner that crashed was insured in 2021 for approximately $115 million. Agarwal said that the "loss would be covered based on the value declared by the airline", irrespective of whether the damage is partial or total.&nbsp;Passengers will be offered compensation under the Montreal Convention of 1999. The amount will be calculated under Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which is currently valued at 1,28,821 SDRs, or roughly $1,71,000 (Rs 1.47 crore).&nbsp;<h2>Personal travel insurance</h2>&nbsp;People going to foreign countries also commonly opt for personal travel insurance. It usually costs between 4 per cent and 10 per cent of the total trip cost. Older passengers have to shell out more. Trip duration, destination, medical issues etc. also affect the premium. International travel insurance can cost between Rs 150 to Rs 1000 per day.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ahmedabad plane crash: The Air India crash in Gujarat might turn out to be the most expensive in terms in the category of aviation insurance claims. The total amount doled out will factor in things like the age of the deceased, among other things.

The Air India crash on Thursday in Ahmedabad could turn out to be India's most expensive aviation claim. Liabilities are expected to range between $211 million and $280 million, or up to Rs 2,400 crore. Flight accident insurance is offered on all flights and can start from as little as Rs 10 and go up to Rs 500, depending on the distance and coverage. Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was going to London Gatwick with 242 people, of whom 241 died. It took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm and crashed within 30 seconds after failing to gain elevation. The deceased include 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and a Canadian national. One passenger miraculously survived by jumping off the plane. Also Read: Ahmedabad plane crash: Black box recovered from Air India AI-171 flight wreckage Flight accident insurance typically offers compensation to those affected in case of an injury or death. It can be claimed in three scenarios: if a passenger dies due to an aircraft-related incident, the nominee is given the amount. The insurance also applies to emergency medical expenses in case a passenger is injured and seeks surgery, treatment and post-treatment care. It can also be claimed if one suffers permanent or temporary disabilities due to a flight-related incident. Also Read: Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA samples of victims collected for identification, rescue operation concludes Airlines have fleet insurance policies, which cover risks such as aircraft hulls, spare parts, and liabilities to passengers and third parties, Ramaswamy Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC), told NDTV. In case of the Air India crash, claims are expected under both hull and liability. The total amount doled out will factor in things like the age of the deceased, among other things. Amit Agarwal, CEO and MD at Howden India, says the amount can go up as high as $280 million. The Dreamliner that crashed was insured in 2021 for approximately $115 million. Agarwal said that the "loss would be covered based on the value declared by the airline", irrespective of whether the damage is partial or total. Passengers will be offered compensation under the Montreal Convention of 1999. The amount will be calculated under Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which is currently valued at 1,28,821 SDRs, or roughly $1,71,000 (Rs 1.47 crore). Personal travel insurance People going to foreign countries also commonly opt for personal travel insurance. It usually costs between 4 per cent and 10 per cent of the total trip cost. Older passengers have to shell out more. Trip duration, destination, medical issues etc. also affect the premium. International travel insurance can cost between Rs 150 to Rs 1000 per day.

Ahmedabad plane crash: The Air India crash in Gujarat might turn out to be the most expensive in terms in the category of aviation insurance claims. The total amount doled out will factor in things like the age of the deceased, among other things.

Air India plane crash insurance claims might clock in at a staggering Rs 2,400 crore

Manipur is mourning the loss of two promising young professionals who died in the fatal Air India crash on Thursday (June 12). Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam and Lamnunthem Singson worked as flight attendants with the airline. Nganthoi was 21 years old and was selected during campus recruitment at DM College of Commerce in the state capital, Imphal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her parents are in a state of shock. She was the second of three girls and bagged her first job with Air India as a teenager.&nbsp;Her father, Nandesh Kumar Sharma, recalled that her last call was to her sister at 11:30 am, whom she told that she is flying to London and won't be able to talk for a few days. Nganthoi was scheduled to return on June 15. This turned out to be her last call to her family. Three hours later, her sister started panicking after her aunt told her about the crash on the phone. They did not have access to online news because the internet had gone down in some areas due to protests over the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol member last week.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahmedabad-plane-crash-indian-govt-launches-probe-sets-up-high-level-committee-to-strengthen-aviation-safety-1749758205942">Ahmedabad plane crash | Indian govt launches probe, sets up high-level committee to 'strengthen aviation safety'</a>&nbsp;Kumar told the Indian Express that she had just given her first semester exams when she decided to join a few friends for the air hostess interview. She was always travelling and living in Mumbai with other women from Manipur who work for Air India. He hoped that she would one day find a stable job in Manipur.&nbsp;Lamnunthem Singson's family used to live in Imphal's Old Lambulane but left everything behind because of the ethnic clashes in 2023. They have been living in Kangpokpi district as internally displaced persons, or IDPs. Her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, raised the three siblings alone after her husband passed away a few years ago. Lamnunthem was her only daughter, NDTV reported.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahmedabad-plane-crash-air-india-confirms-241-fatalities-1-survivor-1749756878463">Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India confirms 241 fatalities, 1 survivor</a> &nbsp;Other residents have been reaching out to the family at their small rented house ever since the news broke. Her mother is still waiting for some kind of official word, hoping her daughter is alright.&nbsp;Lamnunthem told her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, on her last call that she was going to Ahmedabad for duty.&nbsp;The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 people crashed on Thursday afternoon. Only one passenger survived miraculously, as the airline stated that everyone on board had died. Several students died on the ground as the plane crashed at a medical college hostel.&nbsp;

Gujarat plane crash: Manipur is mourning the loss of two promising young professionals who died in the fatal Air India crash on Thursday (June 12). Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam and Lamnunthem Singson worked as flight attendants with the airline. 

Manipur is mourning the loss of two promising young professionals who died in the fatal Air India crash on Thursday (June 12). Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam and Lamnunthem Singson worked as flight attendants with the airline. Nganthoi was 21 years old and was selected during campus recruitment at DM College of Commerce in the state capital, Imphal. Her parents are in a state of shock. She was the second of three girls and bagged her first job with Air India as a teenager. Her father, Nandesh Kumar Sharma, recalled that her last call was to her sister at 11:30 am, whom she told that she is flying to London and won't be able to talk for a few days. Nganthoi was scheduled to return on June 15. This turned out to be her last call to her family. Three hours later, her sister started panicking after her aunt told her about the crash on the phone. They did not have access to online news because the internet had gone down in some areas due to protests over the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol member last week. Also Read: Ahmedabad plane crash | Indian govt launches probe, sets up high-level committee to 'strengthen aviation safety' Kumar told the Indian Express that she had just given her first semester exams when she decided to join a few friends for the air hostess interview. She was always travelling and living in Mumbai with other women from Manipur who work for Air India. He hoped that she would one day find a stable job in Manipur. Lamnunthem Singson's family used to live in Imphal's Old Lambulane but left everything behind because of the ethnic clashes in 2023. They have been living in Kangpokpi district as internally displaced persons, or IDPs. Her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, raised the three siblings alone after her husband passed away a few years ago. Lamnunthem was her only daughter, NDTV reported. Also Read: Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India confirms 241 fatalities, 1 survivor Other residents have been reaching out to the family at their small rented house ever since the news broke. Her mother is still waiting for some kind of official word, hoping her daughter is alright. Lamnunthem told her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, on her last call that she was going to Ahmedabad for duty. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 people crashed on Thursday afternoon. Only one passenger survived miraculously, as the airline stated that everyone on board had died. Several students died on the ground as the plane crashed at a medical college hostel.

Gujarat plane crash: Manipur is mourning the loss of two promising young professionals who died in the fatal Air India crash on Thursday (June 12). Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam and Lamnunthem Singson worked as flight attendants with the airline.&nbsp;

Gujarat plane crash: Families of two young flight attendants from Manipur recall last conversations

Shares of Boeing Co. plunged nearly 5 per cent on Thursday (June 12) after a deadly crash involving one of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft in India. The aircraft, operated by Air India, went down minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.&nbsp;Boeing’s stock closed at US $203.60, down from US $214.04 the previous day, marking its steepest one-day drop in months.&nbsp;The incident—marking the first fatal crash for the 787 model—has rattled investor confidence and posed a major challenge for Boeing’s efforts to restore trust in its aircraft safety standards under new CEO Kelly Ortberg.&nbsp;The timing is especially critical, coming just days before the Paris Air Show where Boeing had hoped to secure fresh international orders for the Dreamliner.<h2>Shares tumble as markets reacts to Dreamliner crash</h2>Boeing shares sank sharply in early pre-market trade, dropping over 8 per cent before closing down 4.9 per cent in regular hours. The sharp sell-off reflects investor unease over what the tragedy means for the widebody 787’s safety perception—especially after years of Boeing defending the jet’s design integrity.&nbsp;As per Reuters, the widebody 787 models had never had a fatal crash until Thursday’s incident, further escalating scrutiny of Boeing’s overall track record. Analysts expect the Paris Air Show, which was expected to focus on order books and trade issues, to now revolve around the safety of Boeing jets and the investigation into the crash.&nbsp;The latest setback also raises questions about Boeing’s recovery momentum, just as Ortberg begins to steer the aerospace giant through a wave of restructuring and reputation rebuilding.<h2>A critical test for new Boeing leadership &amp; reputation under fire&nbsp;</h2>For Boeing’s newly appointed CEO, Kelly Ortberg, the crash is the first real crisis since he took over in August 2024. A former aerospace executive who came out of retirement, Ortberg was widely seen as a stabilising figure tasked with turning around Boeing’s safety culture and regaining industry trust.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Reuters, Ortberg had recently relocated to Seattle to be closer to manufacturing operations and was set to attend next week’s Paris Air Show. That plan now comes under a cloud, with industry observers warning that the crash could dominate headlines and investor discussions.&nbsp;In a statement, Ortberg offered condolences to the victims and confirmed that Boeing was cooperating fully with Indian authorities. “Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad,” Ortberg said. “I have spoken with Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran to offer our full support.”&nbsp;But Boeing’s troubles run deeper. The company has faced whistleblower allegations, including testimony from engineer Sam Salehpour during a 2024 US Senate hearing, where he claimed to have been sidelined after raising quality concerns on the 787 and 777 lines. The FAA is yet to release its findings from that inquiry, prompting calls from attorneys to make the report public, according to Reuters.&nbsp;Last month, Boeing narrowly avoided criminal prosecution by reaching a $1.1 billion settlement with the US Department of Justice for misleading regulators during the 737 MAX investigation.&nbsp;Though the cause of the Air India crash is still under investigation, the symbolism of a Dreamliner fatality comes at a time when Boeing is already grappling with long-standing safety scrutiny, particularly over its 737 MAX series.&nbsp;The 737 MAX programme was infamously grounded globally for 20 months after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people. A design flaw in the MCAS flight control software was later blamed. Since then, Boeing has faced fines, criminal investigations, lawsuits, and whistleblower allegations that have raised further questions about its internal safety culture.&nbsp;Although no technical fault has yet been attributed in the Air India crash, aviation experts caution that even speculation around Boeing’s involvement can have a chilling effect on market and consumer confidence.<h2>US regulators and Boeing under scrutiny</h2>As per Reuters, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it would send a team of investigators to India to support the probe. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and engine maker GE Aerospace are also coordinating with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).&nbsp;US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, “The US government will not hesitate to implement any safety recommendations that may arise. We will follow the facts and put safety first.”&nbsp;Boeing said in a statement it was aware of initial reports and was working to gather more information, adding that it will defer public comment to the Indian AAIB in accordance with international aviation protocols.<h2>A blow to Air India’s global ambitions</h2>The crash comes at a critical time for Air India, which has been aggressively expanding its fleet under Tata Group’s ownership. In February 2023, Air India placed one of the world’s largest aircraft orders: a combined 470 jets, including 290 from Boeing—among them 20 more Dreamliners, as per company disclosures.&nbsp;The Ahmedabad-London service was being operated using a Boeing 787-8 delivered in 2014, with over 41,000 hours of flying time, according to aviation consultancy Cirium. Industry experts now believe the crash could derail timelines for aircraft deliveries and dent customer confidence in Air India’s transcontinental&nbsp;services.<h2>Dreamliner’s safety record and past issues</h2>The Boeing 787 Dreamliner entered service in 2011 and was hailed as a next-generation fuel-efficient widebody jet. It has had an impeccable safety record until now, even as it faced years of manufacturing flaws, battery fires, and fuselage quality issues, all of which led to delivery delays and regulatory interventions.&nbsp;In 2024, the Dreamliner was under scrutiny again during a US Senate hearing after whistleblower Sam Salehpour alleged safety lapses at Boeing’s manufacturing plants. According to Reuters, Salehpour claimed he was sidelined for reporting structural defects on the 787 and 777 programmes. Boeing said retaliation was “strictly prohibited” and cited a rise in internal safety reports as a sign of improving culture.&nbsp;Just weeks ago, Ortberg told a financial conference that the FAA’s decision to permit increased Dreamliner output was “an important milestone” in Boeing’s recovery.<h2>The Ahmedabad crash: what we know so far</h2>Air India Flight AI171 was a London-bound 787-8 aircraft that crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The aircraft issued a mayday call moments after departure before disappearing from radar and crashing in the Meghaninagar area near the airport.&nbsp;According to eyewitnesses, a massive fireball was visible, followed by rising plumes of black smoke. Among the 242 people on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese and one Canadian, as per initial passenger data.&nbsp;Officials have yet to confirm the cause of the crash. As per Reuters, it was not immediately clear what led to the disaster, though black box recovery and cockpit voice recordings will offer vital clues in the days ahead. The AAIB is leading the investigation with support from Boeing, US regulators, and GE Aerospace.&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies)&nbsp; &nbsp;

The deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad has triggered international investigations and renewed pressure on Boeing’s leadership and safety culture.

Shares of Boeing Co. plunged nearly 5 per cent on Thursday (June 12) after a deadly crash involving one of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft in India. The aircraft, operated by Air India, went down minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. Boeing’s stock closed at US $203.60, down from US $214.04 the previous day, marking its steepest one-day drop in months. The incident—marking the first fatal crash for the 787 model—has rattled investor confidence and posed a major challenge for Boeing’s efforts to restore trust in its aircraft safety standards under new CEO Kelly Ortberg. The timing is especially critical, coming just days before the Paris Air Show where Boeing had hoped to secure fresh international orders for the Dreamliner. Shares tumble as markets reacts to Dreamliner crash Boeing shares sank sharply in early pre-market trade, dropping over 8 per cent before closing down 4.9 per cent in regular hours. The sharp sell-off reflects investor unease over what the tragedy means for the widebody 787’s safety perception—especially after years of Boeing defending the jet’s design integrity. As per Reuters, the widebody 787 models had never had a fatal crash until Thursday’s incident, further escalating scrutiny of Boeing’s overall track record. Analysts expect the Paris Air Show, which was expected to focus on order books and trade issues, to now revolve around the safety of Boeing jets and the investigation into the crash. The latest setback also raises questions about Boeing’s recovery momentum, just as Ortberg begins to steer the aerospace giant through a wave of restructuring and reputation rebuilding. A critical test for new Boeing leadership & reputation under fire For Boeing’s newly appointed CEO, Kelly Ortberg, the crash is the first real crisis since he took over in August 2024. A former aerospace executive who came out of retirement, Ortberg was widely seen as a stabilising figure tasked with turning around Boeing’s safety culture and regaining industry trust. According to Reuters, Ortberg had recently relocated to Seattle to be closer to manufacturing operations and was set to attend next week’s Paris Air Show. That plan now comes under a cloud, with industry observers warning that the crash could dominate headlines and investor discussions. In a statement, Ortberg offered condolences to the victims and confirmed that Boeing was cooperating fully with Indian authorities. “Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad,” Ortberg said. “I have spoken with Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran to offer our full support.” But Boeing’s troubles run deeper. The company has faced whistleblower allegations, including testimony from engineer Sam Salehpour during a 2024 US Senate hearing, where he claimed to have been sidelined after raising quality concerns on the 787 and 777 lines. The FAA is yet to release its findings from that inquiry, prompting calls from attorneys to make the report public, according to Reuters. Last month, Boeing narrowly avoided criminal prosecution by reaching a $1.1 billion settlement with the US Department of Justice for misleading regulators during the 737 MAX investigation. Though the cause of the Air India crash is still under investigation, the symbolism of a Dreamliner fatality comes at a time when Boeing is already grappling with long-standing safety scrutiny, particularly over its 737 MAX series. The 737 MAX programme was infamously grounded globally for 20 months after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people. A design flaw in the MCAS flight control software was later blamed. Since then, Boeing has faced fines, criminal investigations, lawsuits, and whistleblower allegations that have raised further questions about its internal safety culture. Although no technical fault has yet been attributed in the Air India crash, aviation experts caution that even speculation around Boeing’s involvement can have a chilling effect on market and consumer confidence. US regulators and Boeing under scrutiny As per Reuters, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it would send a team of investigators to India to support the probe. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and engine maker GE Aerospace are also coordinating with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, “The US government will not hesitate to implement any safety recommendations that may arise. We will follow the facts and put safety first.” Boeing said in a statement it was aware of initial reports and was working to gather more information, adding that it will defer public comment to the Indian AAIB in accordance with international aviation protocols. A blow to Air India’s global ambitions The crash comes at a critical time for Air India, which has been aggressively expanding its fleet under Tata Group’s ownership. In February 2023, Air India placed one of the world’s largest aircraft orders: a combined 470 jets, including 290 from Boeing—among them 20 more Dreamliners, as per company disclosures. The Ahmedabad-London service was being operated using a Boeing 787-8 delivered in 2014, with over 41,000 hours of flying time, according to aviation consultancy Cirium. Industry experts now believe the crash could derail timelines for aircraft deliveries and dent customer confidence in Air India’s transcontinental services. Dreamliner’s safety record and past issues The Boeing 787 Dreamliner entered service in 2011 and was hailed as a next-generation fuel-efficient widebody jet. It has had an impeccable safety record until now, even as it faced years of manufacturing flaws, battery fires, and fuselage quality issues, all of which led to delivery delays and regulatory interventions. In 2024, the Dreamliner was under scrutiny again during a US Senate hearing after whistleblower Sam Salehpour alleged safety lapses at Boeing’s manufacturing plants. According to Reuters, Salehpour claimed he was sidelined for reporting structural defects on the 787 and 777 programmes. Boeing said retaliation was “strictly prohibited” and cited a rise in internal safety reports as a sign of improving culture. Just weeks ago, Ortberg told a financial conference that the FAA’s decision to permit increased Dreamliner output was “an important milestone” in Boeing’s recovery. The Ahmedabad crash: what we know so far Air India Flight AI171 was a London-bound 787-8 aircraft that crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The aircraft issued a mayday call moments after departure before disappearing from radar and crashing in the Meghaninagar area near the airport. According to eyewitnesses, a massive fireball was visible, followed by rising plumes of black smoke. Among the 242 people on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese and one Canadian, as per initial passenger data. Officials have yet to confirm the cause of the crash. As per Reuters, it was not immediately clear what led to the disaster, though black box recovery and cockpit voice recordings will offer vital clues in the days ahead. The AAIB is leading the investigation with support from Boeing, US regulators, and GE Aerospace. (With inputs from the agencies)

Boeing shares sank after an Air India 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad killed 241 people, sparking fresh scrutiny of the aircraft’s safety record.

Boeing faces fresh turmoil as Air India Dreamliner crash triggers share drop, leadership and safety concerns

In the wake of the deadly plane crash in India’s Ahmedabad on Thursday (Jun 12), Air India has turned its official website black as a sign of mourning. Tata Group, which owns the airlines, has also turned its website to a black colour theme. Earlier, the airlines changed its profile picture on its social media handles to black.&nbsp;Air India’s flight AI171, which was travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, met with a tragic accident after it crashed shortly after taking off near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport. The plane had 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national.&nbsp;Air India confirmed 241 fatalities and one sole survivor, who is being treated in a hospital.“We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital,” Air India said in a statement on early Friday (Jun 13).&nbsp;In a post on X, the airlines wrote, “Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off."&nbsp;Air India also expressed “its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” adding that their efforts are now focused entirely on the “needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”&nbsp;The statement added, “A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident. Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call on +91 8062779200."Hours earlier, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson expressed deep sorrow and support to the victims and their families.&nbsp;“This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones,” he said.

Tata Group, which owns the airlines, has also turned its website to a black colour theme. Earlier, the airlines changed its profile picture on its social media handles to black.

In the wake of the deadly plane crash in India’s Ahmedabad on Thursday (Jun 12), Air India has turned its official website black as a sign of mourning. Tata Group, which owns the airlines, has also turned its website to a black colour theme. Earlier, the airlines changed its profile picture on its social media handles to black. Air India’s flight AI171, which was travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, met with a tragic accident after it crashed shortly after taking off near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport. The plane had 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national. Air India confirmed 241 fatalities and one sole survivor, who is being treated in a hospital. “We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital,” Air India said in a statement on early Friday (Jun 13). In a post on X, the airlines wrote, “Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off." Air India also expressed “its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” adding that their efforts are now focused entirely on the “needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.” The statement added, “A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident. Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call on +91 8062779200." Hours earlier, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson expressed deep sorrow and support to the victims and their families. “This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones,” he said.

Tata Group, which owns the airlines, has also turned its website to a black colour theme. Earlier, the airlines changed its profile picture on its social media handles to black.

Air India, Tata Group websites turn black after deadly Ahmedabad plane crash

An Air India aircraft with 242 people onboard crashed in the Indian state of Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12). The incident took place in Meghani area near the Ahmedabad airport, five minutes after take-off. The plane, en route to London, had taken off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.38 pm IST. The plane was boarded by 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals. The Canadian passenger has been identified as Nirali Sureshkumar Patel.&nbsp;The family of Nirali Sureshkumar Patel said she was among the 242 passengers. Her dental clinic in Mississauga, Ontario, referred Canadian Press to the husband, who said that he was in the process of booking travel to India for himself and their baby.&nbsp;“That was my wife,” he said. “I am not in a state to speak right now.” He declined to provide his full name.&nbsp;Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” to learn of the crash and was receiving regular updates on the situation, confirming one Canadian was on the flight.&nbsp;In a post on X he said, “Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers — including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. &nbsp; Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds.”&nbsp;In a post on X.com, Air India confirmed the crash. “The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals,” it said. “The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information,” it added.&nbsp;According to the officials, the plane was being flown by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar as his deputy. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a Line Training Captain.

That was my wife says husband of Canadian dentist mother of one year old killed in Ahmedabad plane crash

An Air India aircraft with 242 people onboard crashed in the Indian state of Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12). The incident took place in Meghani area near the Ahmedabad airport, five minutes after take-off. The plane, en route to London, had taken off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.38 pm IST. The plane was boarded by 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals. The Canadian passenger has been identified as Nirali Sureshkumar Patel. The family of Nirali Sureshkumar Patel said she was among the 242 passengers. Her dental clinic in Mississauga, Ontario, referred Canadian Press to the husband, who said that he was in the process of booking travel to India for himself and their baby. “That was my wife,” he said. “I am not in a state to speak right now.” He declined to provide his full name. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” to learn of the crash and was receiving regular updates on the situation, confirming one Canadian was on the flight. In a post on X he said, “Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers — including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds.” In a post on X.com, Air India confirmed the crash. “The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals,” it said. “The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information,” it added. According to the officials, the plane was being flown by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar as his deputy. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a Line Training Captain.

The CCTV footage shows the Air India plane taking off from the runway, struggling to attain altitude, and coming down till it crashes, and a huge fireball appears, signalling a disaster

'That was my wife', says husband of Canadian dentist, mother of one-year-old killed in Ahmedabad plane crash

Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the 242 passengers on board the crashed Air India flight, died in the plane crash on Thursday, confirmed Gujarat BJP Chief CR Patil while speaking to reporters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport.&nbsp;Interestingly, as per reports, former CM Vijay Rupani was a firm believer in numerology and considered 1206 to be his lucky number. So much so that all of his vehicles bear the registration number 1206. Even the two-wheeler in his household carries the number 1206.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, on Thursday, in a cruel twist of fate, his lucky number could not save him and, in fact, turned out to be fatal for him. Rupani’s seat on the flight was number 12, and he boarded the plane at 12:10 pm.&nbsp;The flight crashed on June 12 (12-06), and this time his lucky number turned calamitous.&nbsp;Earlier, Gujarat BJP chief CR Patil told PTI, “Our leader and former Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was going (to London) to meet his family. He is also a victim of this accident. May his soul rest in peace. This is a big loss for the BJP.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Union Minister and Gujarat BJP president, CR Patil (<a href="https://twitter.com/CRPaatil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CRPaatil</a>) confirms former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani&#39;s demise. Speaking to reporters, he says, &quot;Our leader and former Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was going (to London) to meet his family. He is… <a href="https://t.co/5c1VIk8KIb">pic.twitter.com/5c1VIk8KIb</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1933166122301632868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rupani was going to his daughter’s house in London. As per reports, Rupani’s wife, Anjali, was in London for the past several days, and now he was also going to meet his daughter.&nbsp;Rupani served as the 16th chief minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021.&nbsp;Before the tenure as chief minister, Rupani served as the mayor of Rajkot from 1996 to 1997, a member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012, and the state cabinet minister for transport, labour, and water supply from 2014 to 2016.Rupani became the chief minister in August 2016, taking over from Anandiben Patel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The crash, which is one of the first fatal incidents for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, occurred minutes after the plane took off for London’s Gatwick Airport.As per officials, the pilots of Flight AI 717 issued a MAYDAY call to Ahmedabad air traffic control moments after takeoff but soon lost connection.

Former chief minister Vijay Rupani was going to his daughter’s house in London. As per reports, Rupani’s wife, Anjali, was in London for the past several days, and now he was also going to meet his daughter.

Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the 242 passengers on board the crashed Air India flight, died in the plane crash on Thursday, confirmed Gujarat BJP Chief CR Patil while speaking to reporters. Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport. Interestingly, as per reports, former CM Vijay Rupani was a firm believer in numerology and considered 1206 to be his lucky number. So much so that all of his vehicles bear the registration number 1206. Even the two-wheeler in his household carries the number 1206. However, on Thursday, in a cruel twist of fate, his lucky number could not save him and, in fact, turned out to be fatal for him. Rupani’s seat on the flight was number 12, and he boarded the plane at 12:10 pm. The flight crashed on June 12 (12-06), and this time his lucky number turned calamitous. Earlier, Gujarat BJP chief CR Patil told PTI, “Our leader and former Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was going (to London) to meet his family. He is also a victim of this accident. May his soul rest in peace. This is a big loss for the BJP.”

Former chief minister Vijay Rupani was going to his daughter’s house in London. As per reports, Rupani’s wife, Anjali, was in London for the past several days, and now he was also going to meet his daughter.

Ex-CM Vijay Rupani deemed 1206 to be his lucky number, but 12 June turned out to be fatal

A former FAA and NTSB crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti has expressed concern over the unexplained loss of altitude in the final moments of the Air India flight. He noted that video footage taken just before the crash showed no signs of smoke or fire, making a bird strike unlikely.&nbsp;Even with the loss of one engine, the aircraft should have been able to climb using the other, Guzzetti stressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;He suggested a more serious scenario: The possibility of both engines simultaneously losing power — a phenomenon known as “dual engine rollback.”&nbsp;“This happened on a (Boeing) 777 crash coming into Heathrow about 15 years ago. It was a dual engine roll back due to icing in the fuel. So there could be a fuel issue,” he said.&nbsp;“Usually fuel contamination issues rear their ugly head during takeoff,” he explained.&nbsp;The flight radar data also revealed that the Dreamliner managed to climb only 625 feet and could not gain further altitude, leading to the aviation disaster.&nbsp;The flight departed from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm IST and lost contact with air traffic control less than a minute later.&nbsp;Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 said the aircraft’s signal was lost at an altitude of just 625 feet, a dangerously low height for a jet of its size and weight.&nbsp;Several videos that have been shared by locals on social media also show the plane struggling to gain altitude and descending rapidly, followed by a loud explosion and a massive fireball as it crashed. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Tata Group has announced that it will give ₹1 crore to the families of each individual who died in the Air India plane crash.&nbsp;The group will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that all necessary care and support are provided to them.

Ahmedabad plane crash: Former crash investigator questions why plane failed to climb before it went down

A former FAA and NTSB crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti has expressed concern over the unexplained loss of altitude in the final moments of the Air India flight. He noted that video footage taken just before the crash showed no signs of smoke or fire, making a bird strike unlikely. Even with the loss of one engine, the aircraft should have been able to climb using the other, Guzzetti stressed. He suggested a more serious scenario: The possibility of both engines simultaneously losing power — a phenomenon known as “dual engine rollback.” “This happened on a (Boeing) 777 crash coming into Heathrow about 15 years ago. It was a dual engine roll back due to icing in the fuel. So there could be a fuel issue,” he said. “Usually fuel contamination issues rear their ugly head during takeoff,” he explained. The flight radar data also revealed that the Dreamliner managed to climb only 625 feet and could not gain further altitude, leading to the aviation disaster. The flight departed from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm IST and lost contact with air traffic control less than a minute later. Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 said the aircraft’s signal was lost at an altitude of just 625 feet, a dangerously low height for a jet of its size and weight. Several videos that have been shared by locals on social media also show the plane struggling to gain altitude and descending rapidly, followed by a loud explosion and a massive fireball as it crashed. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site. Meanwhile, the Tata Group has announced that it will give ₹1 crore to the families of each individual who died in the Air India plane crash. The group will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that all necessary care and support are provided to them.

Guzzetti said it’s possible that both engines started to “roll back” and lose power at the same time

The Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12) brought heartbreak to Rajasthan after taking the lives of a whole family from Banswara who were traveling to begin a new life in London.&nbsp;Pratik Joshi had spent the last six years in London. A software professional himself, Joshi had always dreamed of making a future outside India for his three small children and wife. That dream was finally taking shape this week, but fate had some other plans.&nbsp;Onboard the ill-fated flight with Pratik was his wife, Dr Komi Vyas, a medical professional who had tendered her resignation just two days earlier to prepare for their permanent move. Their three children, including five-year-old twin daughters, were accompanying them on the journey. &nbsp;Locals remember the couple as one of hope and determination – both well-educated, staunchly devoted to their careers, and dedicated to their kids. Their death came as a shock to Banswara, with friends, relatives, and past colleagues struggling to believe the news.&nbsp;“The entire town is grieving," said a close family friend, adding that they were a warm, progressive couple who wanted the best for their children. Four residents of Rajasthan's Udaipur district were among the 242 people on board the Air India flight that crashed. According to Udaipur district administration authorities, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has spoken with the families of those affected and assured them of all necessary assistance. "As per initial information, there were four passengers from Udaipur district on board the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad. The Chief Minister has spoken to their family members... The administration stands with them, and all necessary help will be extended. The families have been contacted," Udaipur District Magistrate Namit Mehta told reporters.&nbsp;The plane was boarded by 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.

Ahmedabad plane crash: Rajasthan doctor who quit job to start afresh in London, killed along with family

The Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12) brought heartbreak to Rajasthan after taking the lives of a whole family from Banswara who were traveling to begin a new life in London. Pratik Joshi had spent the last six years in London. A software professional himself, Joshi had always dreamed of making a future outside India for his three small children and wife. That dream was finally taking shape this week, but fate had some other plans. Onboard the ill-fated flight with Pratik was his wife, Dr Komi Vyas, a medical professional who had tendered her resignation just two days earlier to prepare for their permanent move. Their three children, including five-year-old twin daughters, were accompanying them on the journey. Locals remember the couple as one of hope and determination – both well-educated, staunchly devoted to their careers, and dedicated to their kids. Their death came as a shock to Banswara, with friends, relatives, and past colleagues struggling to believe the news. “The entire town is grieving," said a close family friend, adding that they were a warm, progressive couple who wanted the best for their children. Four residents of Rajasthan's Udaipur district were among the 242 people on board the Air India flight that crashed. According to Udaipur district administration authorities, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has spoken with the families of those affected and assured them of all necessary assistance. "As per initial information, there were four passengers from Udaipur district on board the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad. The Chief Minister has spoken to their family members... The administration stands with them, and all necessary help will be extended. The families have been contacted," Udaipur District Magistrate Namit Mehta told reporters. The plane was boarded by 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.

Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan, his deputy and 21 other of his staff in the collectorate have tested positive for coronavirus.

Gopalakrishnan on August 7 actively participated in the rescue operations following the Air India Express flight crash at the Karipur airport in Kozhikode. He reportedly went into quarantine after that, and tested positive on Friday.

Malappuram district has the second highest number of coronavirus cases -- 1,965 cases -- after the state capital.

Malappuram district police chief Abdul Karim tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday.

At least 18 people were killed and more than 100 injured when an Air India Express passenger plane repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode last week.

The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport was carrying 190 passengers and crew, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement. Among them were 10 infants.

India, which shut down all air travel in late March to try to contain the novel coronavirus, has restarted limited international air travel. Air India Express AXB1344 was a government-operated repatriation flight for Indians previously unable to return home because of the travel restrictions.

(with inputs from agencies)

Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan, his deputy and 21 other of his staff in the collectorate have tested positive for coronavirus. Gopalakrishnan on August 7 actively participated in the rescue operations following the Air India Express flight crash at the Karipur airport in Kozhikode.

Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan, his deputy and 21 other of his staff in the collectorate have tested positive for coronavirus. Gopalakrishnan on August 7 actively participated in the rescue operations following the Air India Express flight crash at the Karipur airport in Kozhikode. He reportedly went into quarantine after that, and tested positive on Friday. Malappuram district has the second highest number of coronavirus cases -- 1,965 cases -- after the state capital. Malappuram district police chief Abdul Karim tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday. At least 18 people were killed and more than 100 injured when an Air India Express passenger plane repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode last week. The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport was carrying 190 passengers and crew, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement. Among them were 10 infants. India, which shut down all air travel in late March to try to contain the novel coronavirus, has restarted limited international air travel. Air India Express AXB1344 was a government-operated repatriation flight for Indians previously unable to return home because of the travel restrictions. (with inputs from agencies)

Malappuram officials involved in Kerala plane crash rescue ops test positive for coronavirus

The death toll in the massive landslide that destroyed a row of 20 houses of tea estate workers in the high range Idukki district of Kerala on Saturday climbed to 26 with 11 more bodies being recovered from the debris,as efforts were on amid continuing rains to locate those missing.

In his press meet at Thiruvananthapuram, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said11 bodies were recovered from the site of the landslide at Rajamala while three are yet to be identified.

"This is in addition to the 15 bodies recovered yesterday.This brings the death toll in the landslide at the tea plantation to 26.

Rescue operations are continuing at Rajamala in full swing.

Post-mortem of the victims is being speeded up.

An amount of Rs 5 lakh was announced yesterday as emergency assistance for those who lost their lives. 
"The government will bear the medical treatment expenses of those injured in the disaster," Vijayan said.

The chief minister said 78 people were staying at the spot where the tragedy occurred.

While 12 were rescued, 26 bodies were found, he said,adding that efforts were on to find the rest.

Vijayan said the state government will support the families of the victims to enable them return to their normal lives.

"Two teams of National Disaster Response Force are involved in the rescue operations in addition to the locals, police, fire force and plantation workers.

Swamp formation due to the presence of water in the landslide area is posing a big challenge to the rescue operations," Vijayan said.

The picturesque landscape of Pettimudi was flattened into a rough patch of boulders and mud with parts of asbestos and tin sheets seen scattered around.

The incident is said to have occurred in the wee hours of Friday when a huge mound of earth fell on the "row houses" and two children and five women were among the deceased, most of whom were plantation workers from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

NDRF chief in charge of south Indian state, Rekha Nambiar is leading the 55-member team which is entrusted with the search and rescue mission.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad districts on Sunday.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority, Kerala received an average rainfall of 95 mm in the last 24 hours while Vadakara in Kozhikode recorded 32.7 cms of rain, the heaviest in the state.

Vaythiri in Wayanad received 19.3 cms of rain while Peerumedu in Idukki district 18.5 cms.

In the four-month-long Southwest monsoon season, which began in June first week, Kerala has reported a total of 51deaths till Thursday night due to various incidents of drowning, landslides, and tree fall.

The death toll in the massive landslide that destroyed a row of 20 houses of tea estate workers in the high range Idukki district of Kerala on Saturday climbed to 26 with 11 more bodies being recovered from the debris,as efforts were on amid continuing rains to locate those missing.

The death toll in the massive landslide that destroyed a row of 20 houses of tea estate workers in the high range Idukki district of Kerala on Saturday climbed to 26 with 11 more bodies being recovered from the debris,as efforts were on amid continuing rains to locate those missing. In his press meet at Thiruvananthapuram, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said11 bodies were recovered from the site of the landslide at Rajamala while three are yet to be identified. "This is in addition to the 15 bodies recovered yesterday.This brings the death toll in the landslide at the tea plantation to 26. Rescue operations are continuing at Rajamala in full swing. Post-mortem of the victims is being speeded up. An amount of Rs 5 lakh was announced yesterday as emergency assistance for those who lost their lives. "The government will bear the medical treatment expenses of those injured in the disaster," Vijayan said. The chief minister said 78 people were staying at the spot where the tragedy occurred. While 12 were rescued, 26 bodies were found, he said,adding that efforts were on to find the rest. Vijayan said the state government will support the families of the victims to enable them return to their normal lives. "Two teams of National Disaster Response Force are involved in the rescue operations in addition to the locals, police, fire force and plantation workers. Swamp formation due to the presence of water in the landslide area is posing a big challenge to the rescue operations," Vijayan said. The picturesque landscape of Pettimudi was flattened into a rough patch of boulders and mud with parts of asbestos and tin sheets seen scattered around. The incident is said to have occurred in the wee hours of Friday when a huge mound of earth fell on the "row houses" and two children and five women were among the deceased, most of whom were plantation workers from neighbouring Tamil Nadu. NDRF chief in charge of south Indian state, Rekha Nambiar is leading the 55-member team which is entrusted with the search and rescue mission. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad districts on Sunday. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, Kerala received an average rainfall of 95 mm in the last 24 hours while Vadakara in Kozhikode recorded 32.7 cms of rain, the heaviest in the state. Vaythiri in Wayanad received 19.3 cms of rain while Peerumedu in Idukki district 18.5 cms. In the four-month-long Southwest monsoon season, which began in June first week, Kerala has reported a total of 51deaths till Thursday night due to various incidents of drowning, landslides, and tree fall.

Toll in Kerala landslides rises to 26; search on to locate missing persons

&nbsp;

As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening.

The Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the table-top runway at Kozhikode airport at 7:41 pm last night. There were 184 passengers onboard including 10 infants, two pilots and four cabin crew.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the victims late night on Friday. "Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour," he tweeted.

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Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1291797658454163459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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India's other neighbours, Sri Lanka and Nepal, too, sent out messages on Twitter.

Pradeep Gyawali,&nbsp;Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal tweeted:&nbsp;Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured.

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Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured.
— Pradeep Gyawali (@PradeepgyawaliK) <a href="https://twitter.com/PradeepgyawaliK/status/1291953695756779520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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We are shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>. We express our deepest condolences to bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> at this hour of grief.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainSL</a>
— MFA SL (@MFA_SriLanka) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka/status/1291942049801834497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Extremely saddened to hear of the Air India Express plane crash in Kerala on Friday evening. I offer my condolences to the families of those affected by this tragedy, and prayers for the ongoing recovery effort.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1291896001008033792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Other countries that offered their condolences and prayers to the victims included Japan, China, the US and more.

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On behalf of the U.S. Mission, we are deeply saddened by the news of the Air India accident in Kozhikode. The victims and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1291797570050695168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Shocked to hear about the tragic accident of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndiaExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndiaExpress</a> aircraft in Kerala. My deep condolences to the families of the victims. Wish a quick recovery of the injured.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1291798350543511552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Deeply saddened by the news of the Air India Express Plane accident in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kozhikode?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kozhikode</a>. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. 🙏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KozhikodePlaneCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KozhikodePlaneCrash</a>
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1291949588685889536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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My heart bleeds for the air accident of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndiaExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndiaExpress</a> in Kozhikode and landslide in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Idukki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Idukki</a>. My thoughts are with those who lost their beloved ones and are injured. I hope search &amp; rescue will conclude as quickly as possible.
— Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/EOJinIndia/status/1291954814931226631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I'm shocked &amp; saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, Kerala. On behalf of the Gov. &amp; People of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>, I express my deepest condolences to bereaved families &amp; wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our prayers are w/the people of India at this hour of grief.
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa/status/1291998754174722048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team reached the crash site from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi to help with the rescue mission.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/17-dead-more-than-100-injured-in-the-air-india-plane-crash-at-calicut-airport-on-friday-318976">Also watch:&nbsp;17 dead, more than 100 injured in the Air India plane crash at Calicut Airport on Friday</a>

As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening.

As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening. The Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the table-top runway at Kozhikode airport at 7:41 pm last night. There were 184 passengers onboard including 10 infants, two pilots and four cabin crew. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the victims late night on Friday. "Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour," he tweeted. Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 7, 2020 × India's other neighbours, Sri Lanka and Nepal, too, sent out messages on Twitter. Pradeep Gyawali, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal tweeted: Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured. Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured. — Pradeep Gyawali (@PradeepgyawaliK) August 8, 2020 × We are shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, #Kerala. We express our deepest condolences to bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of #India at this hour of grief.#Lk @IndiainSL — MFA SL (@MFA_SriLanka) August 8, 2020 × Extremely saddened to hear of the Air India Express plane crash in Kerala on Friday evening. I offer my condolences to the families of those affected by this tragedy, and prayers for the ongoing recovery effort. — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) August 8, 2020 × Other countries that offered their condolences and prayers to the victims included Japan, China, the US and more. On behalf of the U.S. Mission, we are deeply saddened by the news of the Air India accident in Kozhikode. The victims and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. — Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) August 7, 2020 × Shocked to hear about the tragic accident of #AirIndiaExpress aircraft in Kerala. My deep condolences to the families of the victims. Wish a quick recovery of the injured. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) August 7, 2020 × Deeply saddened by the news of the Air India Express Plane accident in #Kozhikode. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. 🙏🏻 @airindiain #KozhikodePlaneCrash — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) August 8, 2020 × My heart bleeds for the air accident of #AirIndiaExpress in Kozhikode and landslide in #Idukki. My thoughts are with those who lost their beloved ones and are injured. I hope search & rescue will conclude as quickly as possible. — Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) August 8, 2020 × I'm shocked & saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, Kerala. On behalf of the Gov. & People of #SriLanka, I express my deepest condolences to bereaved families & wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our prayers are w/the people of India at this hour of grief. — Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) August 8, 2020 × Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team reached the crash site from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi to help with the rescue mission. Also watch: 17 dead, more than 100 injured in the Air India plane crash at Calicut Airport on Friday

Air India plane crash: US, Pakistan, China and others offer condolences

The condition of at least 14 passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight remains critical, Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan said on Sunday.

Eighteen people, including the pilot and co-pilot of the AIE flight from Dubai lost their lives, when it overshot the tabletop runway at the airport here while landing in heavy rains and fell into a valley 35 feet below and broke into two portions on Friday night.

"Till now, 49 people have been discharged from various hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode. The condition of 14 people remains critical," Gopalakrishnan told.

The remaining 109 people are under treatment at different hospitals.

Air India Express on Sunday said the mortal remains of 16 passengers, who lost their lives in the plane crash, have been handed over to their families.

The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot of the AIE flight, were handed over to their families on Saturday.

The remains of co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were cremated on Sunday with attendance from all family members as well as officials of Air India and Air India Express at Mathura, his hometown, it said.&nbsp;

The condition of at least 14 passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight remains critical, Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan said on Sunday.

The condition of at least 14 passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight remains critical, Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan said on Sunday. Eighteen people, including the pilot and co-pilot of the AIE flight from Dubai lost their lives, when it overshot the tabletop runway at the airport here while landing in heavy rains and fell into a valley 35 feet below and broke into two portions on Friday night. "Till now, 49 people have been discharged from various hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode. The condition of 14 people remains critical," Gopalakrishnan told. The remaining 109 people are under treatment at different hospitals. Air India Express on Sunday said the mortal remains of 16 passengers, who lost their lives in the plane crash, have been handed over to their families. The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot of the AIE flight, were handed over to their families on Saturday. The remains of co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were cremated on Sunday with attendance from all family members as well as officials of Air India and Air India Express at Mathura, his hometown, it said.

Kozhikode plane crash: Condition of 14 passengers critical, says official

Indian investigators on Sunday began examining the black box of a Boeing-737 that overshot a runway on its second attempt, killing 18 people in the country's worst aviation accident in a decade.

Indian investigators on Sunday began examining the black box of a Boeing-737 that overshot a runway on its second attempt, killing 18 people in the country's worst aviation accident in a decade. The Air India Express plane, which was repatriating Indians stranded in Dubai due to the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway of the Calicut International Airport in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. The aircraft fell into a valley and broke in half. In an interview with Reuters partner ANI on Sunday, Arun Kumar, head of India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said the country would open the recovered transcripts to international investigators, as well as manufacturer Boeing. "Only after conducting a thorough and unbiased probe, can we tell what exactly happened," Kumar said. The 2,700 metre runway at the airport is known as a "table-top", an aviation term for runways with steep drops at one or both ends. They leave little room for error should a pilot overshoot the runway, either through human error or mechanical failure. "The length of the runway in Calicut is around 2,700 metres and the plane touched the ground after crossing 1,000 metres of the length, leaving less room to bring the aircraft to a halt," the official, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media, told Reuters. "It was windy and rainy and the runway surface was wet. In such instances the weather is dynamic." "An aircraft typically lands and departs in a headwind as a tailwind increases the plane's speed." A spokesman for Air India did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has already said it will pay compensation to the families of the deceased.

India begins examination of plane's black box after deadly crash

The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.&nbsp;

The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, carrying 190 passengers and crew, overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. Eighteen of the 190 passengers and crew, including both pilots, died, officials said on Saturday.

Kerala is also grappling with rising number of coronavirus cases, and flooding and landslides due to heavy rains.

To this end, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, tweeted to show solidarity with "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these trying times.

"We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times," he posted on Twitter.

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We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1292161051023118337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It was India’s worst passenger aircraft accident since 2010, when another Air India Express flight from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore, a city in the south, and slid down a hill, killing 158 people.

India's relations with the UAE are "at their best ever" as bilateral ties have been elevated from a mere "buyer-seller" to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said last year as he highlighted the excellent rapport between the leadership of the two countries.

The two nations quite often indulge in exchanging workforce. Many Indians are happily settled in UAE and had been earning well until the coronavirus pandemic struck.

It was only after the lockdown started to wreak havoc on the economy that several firms in UAE dried up, and the Indian nationals had to be repatriated.

India had closed international travel on March 25 as part of the nationwide lockdown.&nbsp;

The Narendra Modi-led government then commenced the world’s largest repatriation operations from May 7, in a bid to help stranded people reach their destinations amid the pandemic.

The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.

The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE. The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, carrying 190 passengers and crew, overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. Eighteen of the 190 passengers and crew, including both pilots, died, officials said on Saturday. Kerala is also grappling with rising number of coronavirus cases, and flooding and landslides due to heavy rains. To this end, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, tweeted to show solidarity with "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these trying times. "We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times," he posted on Twitter. We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 8, 2020 × It was India’s worst passenger aircraft accident since 2010, when another Air India Express flight from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore, a city in the south, and slid down a hill, killing 158 people. India's relations with the UAE are "at their best ever" as bilateral ties have been elevated from a mere "buyer-seller" to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said last year as he highlighted the excellent rapport between the leadership of the two countries. The two nations quite often indulge in exchanging workforce. Many Indians are happily settled in UAE and had been earning well until the coronavirus pandemic struck. It was only after the lockdown started to wreak havoc on the economy that several firms in UAE dried up, and the Indian nationals had to be repatriated. India had closed international travel on March 25 as part of the nationwide lockdown. The Narendra Modi-led government then commenced the world’s largest repatriation operations from May 7, in a bid to help stranded people reach their destinations amid the pandemic.

UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed sends condolences to 'friend' PM Modi after Air India plane crash

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday.

Speaking at a news conference,&nbsp;Puri said the black boxes containing the data had been retrieved as he urged people not to speculate about what caused Friday's deadly crash.

The news of the black boxes' recovery came as the family of the plane's pilot Deepak Sathe, who was killed in the accident along with the co-pilot Akhilesh Sharma, gathered together in their home state of Maharashtra.

The death toll from the Air India plane crash accident rose to 18, with 16 people seriously injured, a senior government official said on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-air-india-plane-crash-rises-to-at-least-18-relief-work-underway-318970">Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to at least 18; relief work underway</a>

The Boeing 737, on a special flight from Dubai to bring back Indians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway at Kozhikode in Kerala state, plunged down an embankment and broke up.

"Fuel had leaked out so it was a miracle that the plane did not catch fire, the toll could have been much higher," one senior emergency official at the scene said.

Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited the site Saturday and announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been found, which will help the investigation into the cause of the crash.&nbsp;

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was conducting the probe, he said.

Kozhikode is considered a tricky airport as it has a table-top runway with a steep drop at one end.

Kerala has been hit by severe floods in recent days and heavy rains had been falling for several hours at Kozhikode as the jet landed.

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday.

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday. Speaking at a news conference, Puri said the black boxes containing the data had been retrieved as he urged people not to speculate about what caused Friday's deadly crash. The news of the black boxes' recovery came as the family of the plane's pilot Deepak Sathe, who was killed in the accident along with the co-pilot Akhilesh Sharma, gathered together in their home state of Maharashtra. The death toll from the Air India plane crash accident rose to 18, with 16 people seriously injured, a senior government official said on Saturday. Also read: Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to at least 18; relief work underway The Boeing 737, on a special flight from Dubai to bring back Indians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway at Kozhikode in Kerala state, plunged down an embankment and broke up. "Fuel had leaked out so it was a miracle that the plane did not catch fire, the toll could have been much higher," one senior emergency official at the scene said. Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited the site Saturday and announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been found, which will help the investigation into the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was conducting the probe, he said. Kozhikode is considered a tricky airport as it has a table-top runway with a steep drop at one end. Kerala has been hit by severe floods in recent days and heavy rains had been falling for several hours at Kozhikode as the jet landed.

Black boxes of crashed Air India plane recovered, says Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

A major mishap at India Kozhikode airport has left 18 people dead and over 100 injured after an Air India Express aircraft arriving from Dubai crashed at Calicut International Airport. Watch report.

Calicut Plane Crash: 18 dead in the crash, What is a tabletop runway?

The death toll in the Kozhikode plane crash has risen&nbsp;to at least 18, the Air India Express said on Saturday.

According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport at 7.41 PM on Friday. There were 184 passengers including 10 infants, 2 pilots and 4 cabin crew on board the aircraft, the ministry added.

Captain Deepak Sathe, the pilot-in-command, and his co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were among those who died, police and airline officials said on Friday. Sathe was a former Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and had served at the force's flight testing establishment.

The Air India Express flight skidded off a hilltop runway and split in two while landing in heavy rain at an airport in Kozhikode on Friday evening.

Air India Express said on Saturday that three relief flights had been arranged to Kozhikode in Kerala to assist passengers and their family members affected by the plane crash a day ago.

Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team have been pressed into service from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reached Kozhikode on Saturday to take stock of the status and implementation of relief measures.

He said the reasons for the crash were being investigated. He also announced Rs 10 lakh interim relief for each of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.

Air India Express also announced compensation for those killed. Air India Express has said, "The airline is adequately insured and will pay compensation in accordance with applicable law at the appropriate juncture. To provide immediate relief, as an interim compensation AI India Express will give: Rs 10 lakh to the next kin of the deceased passenger 12 years and above, Rs 5 lakh to the passengers below the age of 12 years, Rs 2 lakh to critical injured passengers and Rs 50,000 to the passengers who are injured in the incident."

The black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the site, a top official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation told Reuters on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plane-splits-into-two-during-landing-at-kozhikode-airport-in-kerala-pilot-dead-318914">Also read |&nbsp;At least 15 dead, including pilot in plane crash at Kerala airport</a>

Air India Express has also arranged a "special relief flight from Mumbai and Delhi" for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and their family members. It has also established a passenger information centre and a toll-free number has been made available for the family or friends of those who may have been on board flight IX-1344.&nbsp;

"The toll free number is 1800 2222 71. For those calling from outside, please call international country code."

"Air India Express Limited regrets to confirm that its flight IX-1344 from DXB (Dubai International Airport) to CCJ (Kozhikode International Airport) was involved in an accident on August 7, 2020 at Calicut. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the passengers and crew and their families. We would like to inform that as of now there are 17 confirmed deceased including two pilots. The four-cabin crew members are confirmed safe," the air carrier said in the statement, on early Saturday morning.

RELIEF WORK BEING DONE

Air India Chairman and Managing Director Rajiv Bansal, and Air India Express Chief Executive Officer K Shyam Sundar have already reached Kozhikode, according to a statement.

Bansal, along with senior airline officials, "rushed" to the accident site "to take stock of the situation and are being briefed by experts", Air India tweeted.

Two special relief flights have been arranged from Delhi and one from Mumbai for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and the family members, Air India Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the national carrier, said.

"The Emergency Response Director is coordinating with all the agencies in Calicut (Kozhikode), Mumbai as well as Delhi, Dubai for effective emergency response," it said in a statement.

"The AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) &amp; Flight Safety Departments have reached for investigating the accident," it added.

The airline said its chief of operations and the chief of flight safety had already reached Kozhikode.

Expressing "deepest condolences" to the families of those who have lost their lives in the accident, aircraft manufacturer Boeing said it is in contact with the Air India team and have offered to support them in any way possible.

"Boeing is prepared to provide a technical team to assist the US National Transportation Safety Board, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 guidelines, as The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India conducts its investigation," the US-based company said.

Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

However, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 6 under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations.

Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.

Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in Dubai remained open on Saturday to help those who need assistance to travel to Kerala and provide information about the crash.

"We are with all the families of injured and deceased and will do our best to assist them," the consulate tweeted on Friday evening.

The Indian consulates in Dubai and Sharjah have activated five helpline numbers to provide information to the family members of the deceased and the injured passengers.

"We pray for the wellbeing of passengers and crew and will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates. Our helplines +97156 5463903, +971543090572, +971543090571, +971543090575," Puri told PTI on Friday.

The helpline number to call in Sharjah for updates is +97165970303, the Gulf News reported.

Air India Express has also established a helpline number in Sharjah at +971 6 5970303.

(with inputs from agencies)

The death toll in the Kozhikode plane crash has risen to at least 18, the Air India Express said on Saturday. According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport at 7.

The death toll in the Kozhikode plane crash has risen to at least 18, the Air India Express said on Saturday. According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport at 7.41 PM on Friday. There were 184 passengers including 10 infants, 2 pilots and 4 cabin crew on board the aircraft, the ministry added. Captain Deepak Sathe, the pilot-in-command, and his co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were among those who died, police and airline officials said on Friday. Sathe was a former Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and had served at the force's flight testing establishment. The Air India Express flight skidded off a hilltop runway and split in two while landing in heavy rain at an airport in Kozhikode on Friday evening. Air India Express said on Saturday that three relief flights had been arranged to Kozhikode in Kerala to assist passengers and their family members affected by the plane crash a day ago. Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team have been pressed into service from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reached Kozhikode on Saturday to take stock of the status and implementation of relief measures. He said the reasons for the crash were being investigated. He also announced Rs 10 lakh interim relief for each of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries. Air India Express also announced compensation for those killed. Air India Express has said, "The airline is adequately insured and will pay compensation in accordance with applicable law at the appropriate juncture. To provide immediate relief, as an interim compensation AI India Express will give: Rs 10 lakh to the next kin of the deceased passenger 12 years and above, Rs 5 lakh to the passengers below the age of 12 years, Rs 2 lakh to critical injured passengers and Rs 50,000 to the passengers who are injured in the incident." The black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the site, a top official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation told Reuters on Saturday. Also read | At least 15 dead, including pilot in plane crash at Kerala airport Air India Express has also arranged a "special relief flight from Mumbai and Delhi" for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and their family members. It has also established a passenger information centre and a toll-free number has been made available for the family or friends of those who may have been on board flight IX-1344. "The toll free number is 1800 2222 71. For those calling from outside, please call international country code." "Air India Express Limited regrets to confirm that its flight IX-1344 from DXB (Dubai International Airport) to CCJ (Kozhikode International Airport) was involved in an accident on August 7, 2020 at Calicut. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the passengers and crew and their families. We would like to inform that as of now there are 17 confirmed deceased including two pilots. The four-cabin crew members are confirmed safe," the air carrier said in the statement, on early Saturday morning. RELIEF WORK BEING DONE Air India Chairman and Managing Director Rajiv Bansal, and Air India Express Chief Executive Officer K Shyam Sundar have already reached Kozhikode, according to a statement. Bansal, along with senior airline officials, "rushed" to the accident site "to take stock of the situation and are being briefed by experts", Air India tweeted. Two special relief flights have been arranged from Delhi and one from Mumbai for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and the family members, Air India Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the national carrier, said. "The Emergency Response Director is coordinating with all the agencies in Calicut (Kozhikode), Mumbai as well as Delhi, Dubai for effective emergency response," it said in a statement. "The AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) & Flight Safety Departments have reached for investigating the accident," it added. The airline said its chief of operations and the chief of flight safety had already reached Kozhikode. Expressing "deepest condolences" to the families of those who have lost their lives in the accident, aircraft manufacturer Boeing said it is in contact with the Air India team and have offered to support them in any way possible. "Boeing is prepared to provide a technical team to assist the US National Transportation Safety Board, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 guidelines, as The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India conducts its investigation," the US-based company said. Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 6 under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission. Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in Dubai remained open on Saturday to help those who need assistance to travel to Kerala and provide information about the crash. "We are with all the families of injured and deceased and will do our best to assist them," the consulate tweeted on Friday evening. The Indian consulates in Dubai and Sharjah have activated five helpline numbers to provide information to the family members of the deceased and the injured passengers. "We pray for the wellbeing of passengers and crew and will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates. Our helplines +97156 5463903, +971543090572, +971543090571, +971543090575," Puri told PTI on Friday. The helpline number to call in Sharjah for updates is +97165970303, the Gulf News reported. Air India Express has also established a helpline number in Sharjah at +971 6 5970303. (with inputs from agencies)

Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to at least 18; relief work underway

An Air India Express plane with over 190 people on board has crashed at an airport in the southern state of Kerala. The aircraft, en route from Dubai, skidded off the runway and broke in two at Calicut airport upon landing, India's aviation authority said. Watch report.

Air India flight skids off runway | Kerala | Over 190 people onboard | 2 lives lost

Aviation regulator DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the director of the Kozhikode airport on July 11 last year after it found "various critical safety lapses", officials said on Saturday.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation pointed to cracks on the runway, water stagnation and excessive rubber deposits among other lapses in its show-cause notice.

The DGCA conducted the inspection after an Air India Express flight coming from Dammam in Saudi Arabia had a "tail strike" while landing at the Calicut (Kozhikode) airport on July 2 last year, an official said.

A little over a year later, on Friday evening, an Air India Express flight from Dubai with 190 people on board overshot "runway 10" at the Calicut airport in heavy rain and went down 35 feet into a gorge before breaking into two pieces, killing at least 18 people.

"After the July 2 incident last year, the DGCA inspected the airport on July 4 and July 5 and found various critical safety lapses," said a senior DGCA official.

On July 11, Kozhikode airport director K Srinivasa Rao was issued a show cause notice, added another DGCA official.

However, it is not clear if any action was taken against Rao after the show-cause was issued.

The show-cause notice, which PTI accessed, said "cracks are observed at runway 28 TDZ (touchdown zone) and along runway C/L (center/left) marking at runway 10 TDZ".

The touchdown zone (TDZ) is the part where the aircraft first contacts the surface while landing. The touchdown zone is ahead of the threshold area of the runway.

The notice also said "excessive rubber deposit" was observed in the area from runway C/L marking to three metres on both the sides of touchdown zone of runway 28.

Similar excessive rubber deposits were found by the DGCA along runway C/L marking of touchdown zone of runway 10, according to the notice.

"Water stagnation of about 1.5 metre length was observed on the area between runway edge and intermediate turn pad on runway 28," it said.

Besides, the DGCA found several cracks in aircraft stand number 5. It also observed that a "portion of Apron surface" of about 111 metres was damaged, it said. Apron is the area of the airport where aircraft are parked, refuelled and where passengers board.

"A steep downward slope of approximately five feet depth is observed immediately after the apron behind aircraft number 1, which needs to be levelled and graded," the notice said.

The DGCA observed a shortage of reserve stock of 6,630 litres of Aqueous Film Forming Foam concentrate (AFFF) and 140 kg of "DCP complementary agent" - both are used to put out fires - at the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station of the airport.

Air India Express, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, said on Saturday that three relief flights had been arranged to Kozhikode in Kerala to assist passengers and their family members affected by the plane crash a day ago. Officials said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri will go to Kozhikode on Saturday.

Officials of the AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), the DGCA and the flight safety department of the airline have reached the accident site to investigate the accident, said the airline on Saturday morning.

Scheduled international passenger flights remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

However, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 6 under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.

Aviation regulator DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the director of the Kozhikode airport on July 11 last year after it found "various critical safety lapses", officials said on Saturday.

Aviation regulator DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the director of the Kozhikode airport on July 11 last year after it found "various critical safety lapses", officials said on Saturday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation pointed to cracks on the runway, water stagnation and excessive rubber deposits among other lapses in its show-cause notice. The DGCA conducted the inspection after an Air India Express flight coming from Dammam in Saudi Arabia had a "tail strike" while landing at the Calicut (Kozhikode) airport on July 2 last year, an official said. A little over a year later, on Friday evening, an Air India Express flight from Dubai with 190 people on board overshot "runway 10" at the Calicut airport in heavy rain and went down 35 feet into a gorge before breaking into two pieces, killing at least 18 people. "After the July 2 incident last year, the DGCA inspected the airport on July 4 and July 5 and found various critical safety lapses," said a senior DGCA official. On July 11, Kozhikode airport director K Srinivasa Rao was issued a show cause notice, added another DGCA official. However, it is not clear if any action was taken against Rao after the show-cause was issued. The show-cause notice, which PTI accessed, said "cracks are observed at runway 28 TDZ (touchdown zone) and along runway C/L (center/left) marking at runway 10 TDZ". The touchdown zone (TDZ) is the part where the aircraft first contacts the surface while landing. The touchdown zone is ahead of the threshold area of the runway. The notice also said "excessive rubber deposit" was observed in the area from runway C/L marking to three metres on both the sides of touchdown zone of runway 28. Similar excessive rubber deposits were found by the DGCA along runway C/L marking of touchdown zone of runway 10, according to the notice. "Water stagnation of about 1.5 metre length was observed on the area between runway edge and intermediate turn pad on runway 28," it said. Besides, the DGCA found several cracks in aircraft stand number 5. It also observed that a "portion of Apron surface" of about 111 metres was damaged, it said. Apron is the area of the airport where aircraft are parked, refuelled and where passengers board. "A steep downward slope of approximately five feet depth is observed immediately after the apron behind aircraft number 1, which needs to be levelled and graded," the notice said. The DGCA observed a shortage of reserve stock of 6,630 litres of Aqueous Film Forming Foam concentrate (AFFF) and 140 kg of "DCP complementary agent" - both are used to put out fires - at the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station of the airport. Air India Express, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, said on Saturday that three relief flights had been arranged to Kozhikode in Kerala to assist passengers and their family members affected by the plane crash a day ago. Officials said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri will go to Kozhikode on Saturday. Officials of the AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), the DGCA and the flight safety department of the airline have reached the accident site to investigate the accident, said the airline on Saturday morning. Scheduled international passenger flights remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 6 under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.

DGCA had issued notice to Kozhikode airport in July, 2019 over critical safety lapses

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