India’s aviation history, while marked by significant advancements, has witnessed several devastating plane crashes that have left lasting impacts. From mid-air collisions to takeoff mishaps, these incidents have shaped aviation safety protocols. This article explores the top five worst plane crashes in India, including the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, based on available information and historical data.
1. Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision (1996) – 349 Fatalities
The deadliest aviation disaster in India’s history occurred on November 12, 1996, over Charkhi Dadri, Haryana. A Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747-168B, en route from Delhi to Dhahran, collided mid-air with a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76TD approaching Delhi. The crash resulted in the loss of all 349 passengers and crew aboard both aircraft, making it the world’s deadliest mid-air collision. The investigation pinpointed pilot error by the Kazakh crew, who descended to 14,000 feet instead of maintaining the assigned 15,000 feet, coupled with poor English proficiency and miscommunication with air traffic control. This tragedy led to the adoption of advanced collision avoidance systems like ACAS and SSR across the aviation industry.
2. Air India Flight 182 (1985) – 329 Fatalities
On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747 operating on the Montreal–London–Delhi–Mumbai route, was destroyed mid-air by a bomb off the coast of Ireland. All 329 passengers and crew perished, including 24 Indians and 268 Canadian citizens, mostly of Indian descent. The bombing, orchestrated by Canadian Khalistani terrorists, remains the deadliest aircraft bombing until the September 11 attacks. Only 131 bodies were recovered from the sea. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in baggage screening and led to stricter global aviation security measures.
3. Air India Flight 855 (1978) – 213 Fatalities
On January 1, 1978, Air India Flight 855, a Boeing 747, crashed into the Arabian Sea shortly after takeoff from Mumbai’s Sahar International Airport. All 213 passengers and crew were killed. The crash was attributed to pilot error, compounded by instrument failure, as the captain became disoriented after a malfunctioning attitude indicator. This disaster highlighted the need for improved pilot training and redundant instrumentation, prompting significant safety upgrades in Indian aviation.
4. Air India Express Flight 812 (2010) – 158 Fatalities
On May 22, 2010, Air India Express Flight 812, a Boeing 737-800, overshot the runway at Mangalore’s Bajpe Airport after arriving from Dubai. The aircraft plunged into a gorge, killing 158 of the 166 people on board. The investigation identified pilot error, specifically the captain’s failure to execute a go-around despite an unstable approach, as the primary cause. Fatigue and inadequate training were contributing factors. This crash, one of the deadliest in the 2000s in India, led to enhanced runway safety measures and stricter pilot rest regulations.
5. Air India Flight 171, Ahmedabad (2025) – Fatalities Unknown
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London Gatwick. The incident occurred at 1:38 PM IST, with the aircraft crashing into the Meghaninagar residential area, causing thick smoke and triggering immediate rescue operations. Initial reports suggest the pilots issued a MAYDAY call, but no further communication was received. The cause remains under investigation, with no confirmed casualty figures at this time. This marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787-8 and the first major passenger plane crash in India since 2020. Emergency teams, including fire services and NDRF, are actively responding, and authorities have prioritized medical aid and relief efforts.
