Which was the deadliest plane crash in history? Full list of top 10 air disasters

The tragic accident of the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 12 June, 2025, has been marked as the deadliest crash of the decade, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and 19 others on the ground, with only one survivor from the plane. However, there have been several such worst incidents witnessed in the past that claimed multiple lives, and several were injured.

These incidents have fundamentally altered how the aviation industry approaches safety. Further, with the advancement of aircraft technology, it has contributed to the development of safer aircraft, planes with enhanced security measures, improved training procedures and more sophisticated safety management systems.

Here is the list of the world's worst plane crashes ever:

1. The Tenerife Airport Disaster

The deadliest accident in the aviation history unfolded on 27 March, 1977, at Los Rodeos Airport (TFN) in the Canary Islands when two Boeing 747 jumbo jets, operated by KLM (KL) and Pan Am (PA), collided on the runway during takeoff, resulting in a death of 583 passengers. The crash took place when dense fog severely limited visibility, resulting in confusion at air traffic control.

2. Japan Airlines Flight 123

The next darkest day in aviation history was August 12, 1985, when Japan Airlines (JL) Flight 123 crashed into Mount Takamagahara, killing 520 people. The incident unfolded when Boeing 747SR was en route from Tokyo (HND) to Osaka (KIX) when a catastrophic failure of the rear pressure bulkhead caused rapid decompression and loss of hydraulic control.

3. Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision

This horrific accident was the first such crash in the Indian aviation industry that has ever been witnessed. It was unfolded when Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) Flight 763, a Boeing 747, collided with Kazakhstan Airlines (KZ) Flight 1907, an Ilyushin Il-76, near New Delhi on November 12, 1996. All 349 passengers travelling in the plane lost their lives immediately.

4. Air India Flight 182

On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 was brought down by a bomb mid-flight over the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the deaths of all 329 passengers and crew. The Boeing 747 was travelling from Toronto to Delhi when an explosive planted in the cargo section detonated, causing the plane to disintegrate and plunge into the sea.

5. Saudi Arabian Flight 163

On August 19, 1980, a fire broke out in the cargo area of Saudi Arabian Flight 163 shortly after departing from Riyadh. Although the Lockheed L-1011 aircraft landed safely back at the airport, all 301 people onboard perished due to smoke inhalation. The fatalities occurred as a result of a delayed evacuation, which allowed toxic fumes to overwhelm the cabin.

6. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down on July 17, 2014, while flying over a conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. The aircraft, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was struck by a missile, killing all 298 individuals onboard, including 193 citizens of the Netherlands.

7. Iran Air Flight 655

The Airbus A300 carrying 290 passengers is marked as one of the most controversial aviation disasters, which occurred on July 3, 1988, when Iran Air (IR) Flight 655 was shot down by the USS Vincennes over the Persian Gulf. It was struck by 2 surface-to-air missiles fired by the American warship.

Despite the plane following a normal commercial flight path and broadcasting on civilian frequencies, the USS Vincennes crew mistakenly identified the civilian aircraft as an Iranian F-14 Tomcat fighter jet.

8. American Airlines Flight 191

The most catastrophic accident in United States aviation history occurred on May 25, 1979, which claimed the lives of 271 passengers when American Airlines (AA) Flight 191 crashed soon after takeoff from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

The incident unfolded when the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 lost its left engine during rotation, causing the aircraft to roll uncontrollably and crash into a field.

9. Air India flight AI 171, Ahmedabad plane crash

On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London crashed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Both of the aircraft’s engines failed just three seconds after takeoff, resulting in a crash that killed all 241 passengers and 19 people on the ground.

10. 2001: American Airlines Flight 587

On November 12, 2001, American Airlines Flight 587, an Airbus A300, crashed in Queens, New York, shortly after taking off from JFK Airport. The plane was headed to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The crash led to the deaths of all 260 people onboard and five individuals on the ground.