India's skies scarred by crashes: From Charkhi Dadri collision to Ahmedabad Air India crash, a timeline of deadliest aviation disasters

Time of India

2 days ago

Notable incidents include the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, the 2010 Air India Express Flight 812 Mangaluru crash, and the 2020 Air India Express Flight 1344 Kozhikode crash. These disasters have prompted safety improvements and stricter protocols.
NEW DELHI: The fatal crash of a London-bound Air India flight shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad has once again cast a harsh spotlight on India's fraught record with aviation disasters.
Over the decades, the country has witnessed a series of tragic air crashes—caused by pilot error, poor visibility, outdated infrastructure, and mid-air miscommunication.
From catastrophic runway overruns at tabletop airports to the world's deadliest mid-air collision near Charkhi Dadri, each incident has left behind a trail of grief and hard-learned lessons.
Here's a detailed look at some of the deadliest air tragedies that have scarred India's aviation history:
Air India Express Flight 1344
(2020)
On August 7, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Air India Express Flight 1344 crashed while landing at Kozhikode International Airport.
Operating under the Vande Bharat repatriation mission, the flight overshot the rain-soaked tabletop runway, plunged into a valley, and broke into two. The crash killed 21 of the 190 people on board, including both pilots.
Air India Express Flight 812 (2010)
On May 22, 2010, Air India Express Flight 812 from Dubai overshot the tabletop runway at Karnataka's Mangaluru International Airport. The Boeing 737-800 fell into a gorge and caught fire, killing 158 people.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Sanitize & Smooth Clothes Fast with Philips Steamer
Philips Garment Steamers
Learn More
Undo
The incident drew national attention to safety concerns at India's tabletop airports.
Alliance Air Flight 7412 (2000)
On July 17, 2000, Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed into a crowded residential area while approaching Patna airport. The Boeing 737-200 stalled at a low altitude, reportedly due to improper handling during final approach. Sixty people died, including five on the ground. The tragedy led to tighter landing protocols at smaller airports.
Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision
(1996)
India's worst aviation disaster occurred on November 12, 1996, when Saudia Flight 763 and Kazakhstan Airlines Flight 1907 collided mid-air near Charkhi Dadri, Haryana. The crash, caused by a communication breakdown and the Kazakh aircraft descending below its assigned altitude, killed all 349 people aboard both planes. The incident spurred a nationwide mandate for Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) on commercial flights.
Indian Airlines Flight 605 (1990)
On February 14, 1990, Indian Airlines Flight 605 crashed while landing at Bengaluru's HAL Airport. The Airbus A320, relatively new to India then, descended prematurely and crashed short of the runway, skidding into a golf course. Ninety-two of the 146 onboard died. Investigators blamed pilot error and unfamiliarity with the A320's digital cockpit systems.
Indian Airlines Flight 113 (1988)
On October 19, 1988, Indian Airlines Flight 113 from Mumbai crashed while approaching Ahmedabad Airport amid poor visibility.
The Boeing 737-200 hit trees and crashed short of the runway, killing 133 of 135 onboard. Pilot error, inadequate weather updates, and lapses in air traffic control were cited as contributing factors.
Air India Flight 855 (1978)
On New Year's Day in 1978, Air India Flight 855 to Dubai crashed into the Arabian Sea just 101 seconds after takeoff from Mumbai. All 213 people onboard died. A malfunctioning Attitude Director Indicator misled the captain, leading to spatial disorientation during night flying over the sea.
Indian Airlines Flight 440 (1973)
On May 31, 1973, Indian Airlines Flight 440 crashed while approaching Delhi's Palam Airport in bad weather. The Boeing 737-200 struck high-tension wires just short of the runway. Forty-eight of the 65 onboard were killed, including senior politician Mohan Kumaramangalam. The tragedy underscored the urgent need for advanced weather radar at Indian airports.