New Delhi: Air India, in a heartfelt tribute, remembered the ten cabin crew members who lost their lives in the tragic crash of flight AI-171.
The message, posted by the airline on Friday, honours the grace, warmth, and dedication of its late crew, calling them not just colleagues but family and “the soul of every journey”.
“With hearts full of sorrow, we remember the cabin crew members we lost – beloved colleagues, cherished friends, and the soul of every journey they were a part of. Their grace, warmth, and unwavering care touched thousands of lives in the skies and on the ground... You flew with compassion. You will be remembered with love,” Air India posted on X.
The tribute named each of the crew members lost in the incident: Aparna Amol Mahadik, Shradha Mahadev Dhavan, Deepak Balasaheb Pathak, Irfan Samir Shaikh, Lamnunthem Singson, Maithili Patil, Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, Saineeta Abin Chakravarti, Manisha Thapa, and Roshni Rajendra Songhare.
On June 17, Air India paid a solemn tribute to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot of the ill-fated flight, as his mortal remains were laid to rest.
Describing him as an exceptional aviator and cherished member of the Air India family, the airline honoured his unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and the deep respect he earned across the aviation fraternity. His legacy, they said, would remain etched in the heart of Air India.
Air India paid tribute to pilot Clive Kunder on Thursday, following his funeral and final rites held in Mumbai. Remembered as “a young aviator full of promise”, Kunder was celebrated for his quiet dedication, grace, and passion for flying—qualities that earned him deep admiration within the airline.
Senior leaders from Air India and the Tata Group have continued to stand by the bereaved families, extending condolences, financial assistance, and unwavering support during this time of grief.
The Air India flight AI-171 tragedy, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London, claimed numerous lives and sent shockwaves through the aviation community.
As of Thursday, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed that 210 DNA samples had been successfully matched. The identification process is being jointly conducted by teams from the State Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Forensic Sciences University.
In the aftermath, the Tata Group—owner of Air India since 2022—announced an ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore to the families of each victim. An interim relief of ₹25 lakh has already been disbursed to each affected family, including the lone survivor, to address immediate needs.
The Group also pledged to cover all medical expenses for the injured and support the rebuilding of a damaged hostel at BJ Medical College. Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran called it “one of the darkest days in the Tata Group’s history”.
(inputs from IANS)