India has witnessed several devastating airliner accidents and incidents over the decades, shaping aviation safety regulations and prompting critical reforms. From mid-air collisions to runway overshoots, these tragedies have left lasting impacts on the industry. Below is a historical overview of some of the most significant airliner accidents in India.
Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision (1996)
One of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history occurred on November 12, 1996, when Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight 763 collided mid-air with Kazakhstan Airlines Flight 1907 near Charkhi Dadri, Haryana. The accident resulted in 349 fatalities, making it the worst mid-air collision globally. Investigations revealed that the Kazakh crew descended below their assigned altitude, leading to the catastrophic collision. This tragedy led to the mandatory installation of Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) on all commercial aircraft operating in Indian airspace.
Air India Flight 855 (1978)
On January 1, 1978, Air India Flight 855, a Boeing 747, crashed into the Arabian Sea shortly after takeoff from Mumbai. The accident claimed 213 lives and was attributed to pilot spatial disorientation, causing the aircraft to bank excessively. The tragedy prompted improvements in instrument redundancy checks and pilot training protocols.
Indian Airlines Flight 113 (1988)
On October 19, 1988, Indian Airlines Flight 113, a Boeing 737-200, crashed while approaching Ahmedabad Airport due to poor visibility and procedural lapses. The aircraft struck trees and crashed short of the runway, killing 133 of the 135 people on board. Investigators cited pilot error and inadequate weather information as contributing factors.
Air India Express Flight 812 (2010)
On May 22, 2010, Air India Express Flight 812, a Boeing 737-800, overshot the tabletop runway at Mangalore International Airport, plunging into a gorge and bursting into flames. The crash resulted in 158 fatalities. Investigations revealed that the captain continued with the landing despite multiple warnings from the co-pilot and onboard systems. This incident led to increased scrutiny of tabletop airports and landing protocols during adverse conditions.
Air India Express Flight 1344 (2020)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Air India Express Flight 1344, operating as part of the Vande Bharat repatriation mission, skidded off the runway while landing at Kozhikode (Calicut) International Airport on August 7, 2020. The aircraft overshot the wet tabletop runway, plunged into a valley, and split into two. Of the 190 people on board, 21—including both pilots—lost their lives. The investigation cited pilot error, unstable approach, and adverse weather conditions as primary causes.
Ahmedabad Air India Crash (2025)
On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, lost control and crashed into a residential area, resulting in 241 fatalities. The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital confirmed that DNA samples of 11 victims had been successfully matched with their families. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities examining possible technical failures or pilot miscalculations.
