### Serious Concerns Raised After Air India Jet Tragedy: Passenger Had Flagged Issues on Prior Flight
A passenger who flew on the same Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that later crashed near Ahmedabad has spoken out, detailing a number of alarming problems he observed only hours before the fatal accident. Akash Vatsa, who made the journey from Delhi to Ahmedabad on the ill-fated aircraft, has recounted his unsettling experience, raising critical questions regarding the maintenance and operational standards of the carrier.
Vatsa took to social media to describe the conditions on board, stating that “nothing was working”—ranging from the air conditioning system to in-flight entertainment screens and even the cabin lighting. Video footage shared by Vatsa showed passengers fanning themselves with magazines amidst oppressive heat, and he later addressed Air India directly with his concerns, urging the airline to get in touch for further details. Vatsa also tagged Boeing India and several media outlets in his post to widen the awareness of these lapses.
His flight, arriving in Ahmedabad at around 11:16am local time, was the aircraft’s last domestic route before it was set to depart for London Gatwick just two hours later. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 1:38pm. Shortly after departure, the jet crashed in a densely populated residential zone, sparking a tragic scene of destruction and grief.
The aircraft was reportedly carrying 242 people at the time, among them 53 British nationals, 169 passengers from India, as well as Portuguese and Canadian travellers. In the immediate aftermath, there were initial reports indicating that there were no survivors. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik informed reporters that one person had miraculously survived the devastating crash.
Footage circulating on social media captured the horrifying moment when the aircraft struck a building used by medical students as a dining facility before erupting in a fireball. The blaze, visible for miles, has prompted urgent calls for answers and accountability regarding the aircraft’s airworthiness.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a heartfelt message of condolence, writing, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” The Prime Minister said he was in close contact with officials coordinating relief efforts at the scene. Meanwhile, Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed similar sympathies, stating: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in India are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Additional scrutiny has now fallen on the airline and its aircraft maintenance practices. Indian media outlet Mathrubhumi News reported that the same Boeing Dreamliner had previously been grounded in December 2024 due to what was described as a “major technical snag.” Despite scrutiny over maintenance standards, the aircraft had returned to service following inspection and clearance, as detailed by the Express.
In response to the disaster, Air India established an emergency helpline for passengers’ families and confirmed that those injured were being transported to hospital. The airline also issued a statement pledging full cooperation with investigators and authorities. “We remain committed to transparency and will continue to share updates as appropriate,” Air India stated, adding that verified details would be communicated through official channels only.
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, issued a statement expressing the company’s “deep sorrow” at the event, noting that efforts would now focus entirely on supporting passengers, crew, and families affected. “There are many questions that, at this stage, we cannot answer,” Wilson acknowledged, while affirming the airline’s work in tandem with emergency response teams.
The incident has once again brought into focus the essential role of rigorous enforcement of aviation safety standards and the need for transparent investigations in the aftermath of such tragedies. The outcomes of the official inquiry are expected to play a critical role in restoring confidence among the flying public and in ensuring future passenger safety.