Top 10 Deadliest Plane Crashes in Indian Aviation History: Aviation in India has witnessed remarkable growth over the decades, transforming from a colonial enterprise to one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. However, this journey has been marked by tragic incidents that have left indelible scars on families, communities, and the nation’s collective memory. These crashes have not only claimed precious lives but also shaped aviation safety protocols and regulatory frameworks in India.
Here are the ten deadliest plane crashes in Indian aviation history, each telling a story of human tragedy, investigative breakthroughs, and lessons learned.
Table of Contents
1. Air India Flight 182 “Kanishka” (June 23, 1985) – 329 Deaths
The most devastating aviation tragedy in Indian history didn’t occur on Indian soil but over the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Air India Flight 182, affectionately known as “Kanishka,” was a Boeing 747 operating on the Montreal–London–Delhi–Mumbai route when disaster struck.
On June 23, 1985, the aircraft was destroyed mid-air by a bomb off the coast of Ireland. All 329 passengers and crew perished, including 24 Indians and 268 Canadian citizens, mostly of Indian descent. The bombing was orchestrated by Sikh extremists as part of their campaign against the Indian government following Operation Blue Star.
The tragedy remains Canada’s worst mass murder and India’s deadliest aviation disaster. Families were torn apart in an instant, and the investigation that followed exposed serious gaps in aviation security. The incident led to significant improvements in baggage screening and passenger identification protocols worldwide.
2. Air India Flight 245 “Ahmedabad Crash” (June 12, 2025) – 242 Deaths
The most recent tragedy on this list marks a dark milestone for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner program. Air India Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, carrying 242 people to their deaths.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in the Meghaninagar area near the airport, marking the first fatal hull loss for the 787 program that had maintained an exemplary safety record since its introduction. The crash sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and caused Boeing shares to plummet nearly 7% in pre-market trading.
As investigations continue, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder that aviation safety requires constant vigilance, even with the most advanced aircraft.
3. Indian Airlines Flight IC605 (October 19, 1988) – 135 Deaths
This Airbus A320 crashed during approach to Ahmedabad Airport in what became one of India’s deadliest domestic aviation accidents. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service from Mumbai to Ahmedabad when it encountered difficulties during the final approach phase.
The crash highlighted critical issues with pilot training on the then-new Airbus A320, which featured advanced fly-by-wire technology that many pilots were still adapting to. The investigation revealed a complex interaction of human factors and technical systems that led to the tragic outcome.
4. Alliance Air Flight 7412 (July 17, 2000) – 55 Deaths
This Boeing 737-200 crashed near Patna Airport during approach in poor weather conditions. The aircraft was operating a domestic service when it encountered severe weather that proved challenging for the crew to navigate safely.
The crash underscored the importance of weather radar systems and improved approach procedures at smaller airports across India. It also led to enhanced training protocols for pilots operating in challenging weather conditions.
5. Air India “Malabar Princess” (November 3, 1950) – 48 Deaths
The Lockheed Constellation L749 Malabar Princess VT-CQP, under the command of Captain A Saint, crashed 200 metres from the summit of Mont Blanc, killing all 40 passengers and 8 crew on board. This early post-independence tragedy occurred when international flying was still in its relative infancy.
The crash into Europe’s highest peak highlighted the challenges of high-altitude flying and navigation in mountainous terrain. The wreckage wasn’t discovered for several days due to the remote location and harsh weather conditions.
6. Air India Express Flight 1344 (August 7, 2020) – 21 Deaths
Air India Express Flight 1344 was a scheduled international flight from Dubai to Kozhikode, landing at Calicut International Airport. The flight was part of the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indian nationals stranded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aircraft touched down on runway 10, but skidded off the end of the tabletop runway and slid down a 9–10.5 m (30–35 ft) slope, killing 19 passengers and both pilots.
The captain was Deepak Vasanth Sathe, an experienced pilot who had flown in and out of Kozhikode many times. The airport was known to be one of the most dangerous in India. The tragedy occurred during heavy monsoon rains, emphasizing the particular challenges posed by India’s tabletop airports.
Investigations suggested possible pilot error, including fatigue. The crash resulted in the deaths of 21 people, including both pilots, and injured many others. This tragedy sparked discussions on aviation safety, particularly regarding table-top runways in India.
7. Kashmir Princess Bombing (April 11, 1955) – 16 Deaths
On 11 April 1955, it was damaged in midair by a bomb explosion and crashed into the South China Sea while en route from Bombay, India, and Hong Kong to Jakarta, Indonesia. Sixteen of those on board were killed, while three survived. The explosion was an assassination attempt targeting Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.
The “Kashmir Princess” incident was not an accidental plane crash but an attempt by one of the intelligence organizations of the Kuomintang (KMT) to assassinate Zhou Enlai by blowing up this Air India airliner. This incident marked one of the earliest examples of aviation being used as a tool in international political conflicts involving India.
8. Indian Airlines Flight IC491 (July 16, 1969) – 45 Deaths
This Fokker F27 crashed near Trivandrum during approach in poor weather conditions. The aircraft was operating a domestic service when it encountered difficulties that proved insurmountable for the crew.
The crash highlighted the need for improved approach lighting systems and weather monitoring equipment at Indian airports, particularly those serving as regional hubs in challenging terrain.
9. Vayudoot Flight 7833 (August 19, 1991) – 69 Deaths
This Dornier 228 operated by Vayudoot (a subsidiary of Indian Airlines) crashed near Imphal, marking one of the deadliest accidents involving a smaller commercial aircraft in Indian aviation history.
The crash underscored the unique challenges faced by regional airlines operating in India’s northeastern states, where challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions create additional safety hazards.
10. Indian Airlines Flight IC257 (February 14, 1973) – 29 Deaths
This Sud Aviation Caravelle crashed during approach to Delhi’s Palam Airport (now Indira Gandhi International Airport). The accident occurred during a period when Indian civil aviation was still developing its modern safety protocols and infrastructure.
The crash led to improvements in approach procedures and highlighted the importance of proper crew resource management, concepts that were still evolving in the early 1970s.
The Human Cost and Lessons Learned
Each of these tragedies represents far more than statistics – they represent families shattered, dreams cut short, and communities forever changed. The passengers and crew aboard these flights were teachers, doctors, students, business travelers, families reuniting, and individuals pursuing their aspirations.
These crashes have collectively shaped Indian aviation safety in profound ways:
Regulatory Evolution: Each incident led to stricter safety regulations, improved training protocols, and enhanced oversight mechanisms.
Infrastructure Development: Accidents highlighted the need for better airport infrastructure, advanced weather monitoring systems, and improved emergency response capabilities.
Technology Integration: Crashes involving weather, terrain, and human factors drove the adoption of advanced navigation systems, weather radar, and ground proximity warning systems.
International Cooperation: Major incidents fostered greater cooperation with international aviation safety organizations and the adoption of global best practices.
Cultural Change: The aviation industry in India developed a stronger safety culture, emphasizing reporting, learning from mistakes, and continuous improvement.
Looking Forward
While this list represents the darkest chapters in Indian aviation history, it’s important to note that flying remains the safest form of long-distance travel. The lessons learned from these tragedies have contributed to significant improvements in aviation safety not just in India, but globally.
Modern Indian aviation boasts advanced safety systems, well-trained personnel, and robust regulatory oversight. However, as the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad demonstrates, the pursuit of aviation safety requires constant vigilance, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to protecting every soul that takes to the skies.
The memory of those lost in these crashes serves as a solemn reminder of our responsibility to make aviation safer for future generations. Their sacrifice was not in vain if we continue to learn, improve, and never become complacent about the precious cargo every aircraft carries – human lives with hopes, dreams, and people who love them waiting on the ground.
