A man travelling on an earlier Air India flight – the same plane that went on to crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday – claimed that there were a number of problems with the aircraft
A passenger on an Air India flight has raised the alarm about multiple issues on the same aircraft that later crashed in western India earlier today (June 12).
Akash Vatsa – who flew from Delhi to Ahmedabad just two hours before the doomed plane was scheduled to jet off to London Gatwick – reported he “noticed unusual things in the plane”. He even documented the problems in order to alert Air India, tagging Boeing India and various media outlets for good measure.
He griped about the knackered air conditioning, showing footage of fellow travellers fanning themselves with magazines and himself dripping with sweat. Vatsa carried on: “As usual, your TV screens are also not working.”
With a number of apparent malfunctions, including busted lighting, the concerned passenger asked Air India: “Is this what you are providing?”. Flight Radar info reveals that the flight touched down in Ahmedabad at 11.16am local time.
It then departed for London Gatwick at 1.38pm local time (9.08am BST), but not without leaving questions hanging about its pre-crash condition, reports the Mirror. Tragically, mere minutes after lifting off, a jet met its doom in a residential district.
The plane had 242 people on board, including 53 Brits, 169 Indians, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. While initially it was feared there were no survivors it has since been revealed that one person did make it out alive, as confirmed by Ahmedabad’s Police Commissioner GS Malik to ANI.
Chilling footage captured the aircraft slamming into a mess hall for medical students, instantly engulfed in flames and thick black smoke. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep shock, stating: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.
READ MORE: Air India crash update as more Brit victims names released including couple and daughter
“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer released his own message, noting: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.”
He went on to say: “I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Mathrubhumi News from India reported that Air India flight AI-171 was grounded back in December 2024 due to a “major technical snag”. The incident raised eyebrows and sparked criticism over alleged “maintenance lapses and flight safety procedures”, but the aircraft was eventually given the all-clear to resume flying, according to the Express.
In the wake of the crash, Air India announced that those injured were being rushed to hospital and set up a dedicated passenger hotline number (1800 5691 444) for updates. They’ve also provided another number (+91 8062779200) specifically for foreign nationals.
The airline has stated it is offering “its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident”. Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson took to social media with a video statement hours after the tragedy unfolded.
He conveyed the airline’s “deep sorrow” regarding the crash and emphasised that their focus was “entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones”. Wilson acknowledged there were “many questions” surrounding the incident but admitted he would “not be able to answer all of them”.
He added: “We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts.” In a statement to the Mirror, Air India clarified: “We would like to inform you that Air India is closely coordinating with all relevant authorities, and any verified updates or official statements will be shared through our official communication channels.”
The statement added: “We remain committed to transparency and will continue to share updates as appropriate.”
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