Deadliest Air Tragedies in Indian Aviation History

India has seen several tragic aviation accidents over the decades, claiming hundreds of lives and leaving a lasting impact on air safety protocols. The recent Ahmedabad plane crash of 2025, involving Air India�s Dreamliner AI-171, has once again brought the focus back to India�s history of deadly air disasters.

On June 12, 2025, the Air India flight AI-171, flying from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just five minutes after takeoff near Meghani Nagar, Gujarat. The aircraft had 230 passengers and 12 crew members onboard. Initial reports suggest the plane collided with a residential area, making it one of the most horrifying recent incidents. While the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, it may go down as one of the most tragic aviation disasters in the country.

Let us take a look at some of the worst air accidents in India�s history.

1. Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision (1996)

This remains the deadliest aviation disaster in India and one of the worst in the world. A Saudi Arabian Boeing 747 collided mid-air with a Kazakhstan Airlines flight over Haryana. A total of 349 people lost their lives due to communication failure and altitude mismanagement by the Kazakh crew.

2. Air India Flight 855 Crash � Mumbai (1978)

On January 1, 1978, a Boeing 747 heading to Dubai crashed into the Arabian Sea shortly after takeoff from Mumbai. All 213 onboard died. The investigation revealed the pilot likely became disoriented due to instrument failure, leading to loss of control.

3. Indian Airlines Flight 113 � Ahmedabad (1988)

On October 19, 1988, a flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad crashed during final approach due to poor visibility and pilot error. Out of 135 onboard, 133 people perished.

4. Indian Airlines Flight 171 � Mumbai (1976)

On October 12, 1976, the aircraft attempted an emergency landing after an engine malfunction. Unfortunately, it crashed at Mumbai airport, killing all 95 passengers.

5. Air India Flight 182 Kanishka Bombing (1985)

A terror attack took down this flight en route from Montreal to India. The aircraft exploded mid-air over the Atlantic due to a bomb planted by extremists, killing 329 passengers and crew members.

6. Mangalore Air Crash (2010)

On May 22, 2010, Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway while landing at Mangalore airport. The Boeing 737 burst into flames, killing 158 of the 166 passengers.

7. Kozhikode Air Crash (2020)

Another Air India Express flight from Dubai crashed during landing at Calicut airport amid heavy rainfall on August 7, 2020. The plane broke apart after skidding off the runway, causing 19 fatalities.