NEW DELHI (AP) – In recent decades, India has experienced several significant aviation disasters, highlighting the ongoing challenges within its aviation sector. On Thursday, an unfortunate incident occurred when an Air India flight, carrying over 240 passengers, crashed in the city of Ahmedabad, further accentuating the nation's troubled aviation history.
One of the most tragic incidents was on August 7, 2020, when an Air India Express flight aimed to repatriate Indians stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Boeing 737-800, flying from Dubai to Kozhikode in Kerala, skidded off the runway during heavy rain and broke into two. Tragically, 18 individuals—including both pilots—lost their lives, while more than 120 sustained injuries. This incident serves as a stark reminder of safety challenges during adverse weather conditions.
Another catastrophic event occurred on May 22, 2010, when an Air India flight arriving from Dubai overshot the runway in Mangalore, plunging down a cliff. Of the 166 people on board, 158 perished in this disastrous crash, which involved the same Boeing 737-800 model. The wreckage was scattered across a hillside, presenting a grim sight as rescue teams worked to recover victims.
On July 17, 2000, an Alliance Air Boeing 737-200 met with disaster when it crashed into a residential area shortly before landing in Patna, approximately one mile (1.5 kilometers) from its intended destination. This tragedy resulted in the death of more than 50 passengers onboard and claimed the lives of five individuals on the ground, underscoring the potential risks associated with urban air traffic.
Earlier, on November 12, 1996, the Indian skies witnessed one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history when a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 collided midair with a Kazakhstan Airlines flight while taking off from Delhi. All 349 persons aboard both aircraft tragically lost their lives, marking this incident as one of the most catastrophic in global aviation records.
The challenges faced within the Indian aviation sector are further highlighted by an event that occurred on April 26, 1993. An Indian Airlines 737-200 struck a truck beyond the runway while taking off in Aurangabad. This incident resulted in the deaths of 55 people out of 118 individuals on board, once again drawing attention to safety protocols at Indian airports.
These incidents underscore the critical need for evaluating and enhancing the safety measures and regulations governing aviation in India. With the ongoing rapid expansion of India’s air travel, addressing these challenges becomes increasingly urgent to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members. The legacy of these tragic events serves as a catalyst for change within the aviation industry, pushing regulatory bodies and airlines to prioritize safety and operational integrity.
