New Delhi; Among those killed in the tragic air crash includes former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as confirmed by state President and union Minister CR Patil.
Most of the souls aboard are declared dead. One survivor Ramesh Vishwas Kumar gave a first account of the accident. while ground fatalities are under review. Though the first-ever fatal accident involving a 787, definitive cause—sabotage, mechanical failure, or pilot error—remains unconfirmed. The Indian AAIB and Boeing have launched investigations. Global leaders, including PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Starmer, expressed sorrow and pledged support to victims’ families. The tragic crash of passenger aircraft AI-171 at Ahmedabad on Thursday has not only shaken the nation but also brought the critical issue of aviation safety back into the spotlight. The 11 Year-old aircraft, operated by Air India, was equipped with modern technology and underwent routine checks, yet it met with a catastrophic fate that experts are calling one of the worst aviation incidents in recent years.
While the official cause of the crash remains unknown and may take weeks or even months to be established through black box data and technical analysis, the initial silence from government authorities and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and aviation safety advocates. As of late Thursday evening, the government had not released any official statement on the number of casualties, although unconfirmed reports suggest a high number of fatalities and injuries.
This incident has thrust the Narendra Modi-led government onto the backfoot, especially at a time when it is trying to position India as a global aviation hub. With the aviation sector growing rapidly, critics argue that regulatory oversight, infrastructure upgrades, and safety checks have not kept pace with the expanding fleet and increased traffic.
Experts are pointing to deeper systemic issues that could have contributed to the crash. “This is not just an isolated failure; it exposes a fragile safety ecosystem,” said a retired senior pilot who requested anonymity. “When a well-maintained aircraft with an experienced crew crashes in normal weather, it raises red flags that go beyond just pilot error or mechanical failure.”
According to sources, AI-171 had undergone its last major maintenance check earlier this year and was cleared for operations. However, aviation analysts believe that some aircraft in India’s domestic fleet, particularly those over 10 years old, may be subject to wear and tear that is not always visible during routine inspections. India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is now under pressure to conduct a thorough audit not only of Air India but of all carriers operating aging aircraft.
Opposition leaders have been quick to politicize the issue. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate accused the Modi government of neglecting aviation safety while focusing on privatization and image-building. “This tragic crash should serve as a wake-up call for the government. Safety cannot be compromised in the race to privatize and expand,” she said.
Adding to public concern is the fact that the crash occurred in a major city like Ahmedabad, raising fears about emergency response preparedness. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes at the crash site and claimed that ambulances and fire services arrived late, leading to further loss of lives.
In the backdrop of this disaster, the Centre has promised a high-level inquiry, but the aviation fraternity is demanding more than just lip service. Civil society organizations and aviation unions are calling for independent investigations, enhanced funding for air safety audits, and greater transparency in reporting safety lapses.
(Writer is Senior Journalist and Political Commentator)
