Air India’s bold transformation under Tata Group suffers a major setback after a Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad kills over 200.
Once a symbol of luxury, the airline’s comeback bid is now overshadowed by safety concerns, aging aircraft, and mounting pressure to restore trust amid one of India’s worst air disasters.
A devastating crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has killed more than 200 people and left the nation in mourning. The aircraft went down just moments after takeoff on Thursday, crashing into the BJ Medical College hostel in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar area. Among the dead are former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and at least 75 individuals inside the hostel.
The crash occurred around lunchtime, a peak time at the hostel mess, where several medical students were gathered. Reports confirm that up to 60 students were injured and hospitalized. The final death toll includes dozens of passengers and hostel residents, making this one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in over a decade.
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“This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India,” said CEO Campbell Wilson in a video statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. Investigations will take time.”
The tragedy is a crushing blow to Air India’s recent efforts to reinvent itself as a “world-class airline.” Since Tata Group’s $2.2 billion takeover in 2022, the airline had embarked on a massive fleet modernization and service overhaul campaign. This included a record-breaking order for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing in 2023, followed by an additional 100 Airbus jets later that year, and ongoing negotiations for 200 more.
Yet, progress has been slow and plagued by issues aging aircraft, maintenance delays, and widespread customer complaints. The Dreamliner involved in the crash was 11 years old, part of a fleet in which nearly 70 aircraft are more than a decade old. Observers have warned that poor maintenance and lack of timely upgrades could pose safety risks.
“Proper maintenance is what they should be focusing on,” said Vibhuti Deora, a former legal expert at India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. “Air India has had a chequered safety history.”
Indeed, the airline’s past includes several fatal incidents, including the 2010 Mangalore crash that killed 158 and a 2020 runway overrun in Kozhikode that killed 21. But Thursday’s crash, involving casualties both in the air and on the ground, marks a new low.
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Among the confirmed victims is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was aboard the flight. The 68-year-old BJP leader served from 2016 to 2021 and was considered a significant political figure in the state. Also on board was British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who miraculously survived and is currently hospitalized.
Air India had rebranded itself in mid-2023, unveiling a new logo and livery, and promising improved cabin experiences through a $400 million retrofit program. However, supply chain delays have slowed the rollout of upgraded interiors, especially for its long-haul aircraft. Passengers have continued to express frustration over broken seats, malfunctioning entertainment systems, and cleanliness issues.
The airline, which now holds around 30% of India’s domestic aviation market, was positioning itself to challenge international giants like Emirates and Singapore Airlines. The recent merger of Vistara with Air India, and Air India Express with AIX Connect, created India’s largest airline group by fleet size and international reach.
The crash has not only stalled these ambitions but also turned global attention to India’s aviation safety standards. The United States’ NTSB and the UK’s AAIB are assisting in the investigation, while India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded similar aircraft pending inspection.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer both expressed condolences. Modi, just days earlier, had described Indian aviation as being at “the cusp of historic expansion.”
Air India replaced its trademark red-and-white website theme with a somber black and grey, displaying a tribute bearing the flight number “AI-171.” Rescue efforts continue at the crash site, where over 500 personnel from the Army, Air Force, and NDRF are involved.
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The loss of life, especially among young medical students and a senior political leader, has sent shockwaves across the country. As investigations unfold, the Tata Group and Air India face the sobering reality that safety more than branding or expansion must define the airline’s future.
