In Loving Memory of the Air India Flight 171 Crew 🕊️

On June 12, 2025, the world’s aviation community was struck by one of the most heartbreaking tragedies in recent history when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating on the route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. The devastating accident claimed 241 precious lives, including twelve brave and devoted crew members who had dedicated themselves to the service of others in the skies. This tragic event marked the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a modern aircraft renowned for its advanced safety features and innovative design. The loss has sent shockwaves across the global aviation industry and beyond, bringing immense grief to families, colleagues, and countless passengers who trusted these professionals with their lives. As we reflect on this tragedy, it is essential to honor and remember the twelve crew members who stood at the heart of Flight 171’s operation — individuals who, through their dedication, compassion, and courage, represented the very best of humanity’s spirit of service and care.

The crew aboard Air India Flight 171 was a diverse and talented group of individuals, each bringing their own unique stories, dreams, and hopes to the skies. At the helm was Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a highly experienced pilot from Powai, Mumbai, aged 55. Captain Sabharwal was known not only for his extensive flying hours and calm demeanor under pressure but also for the respect he earned from colleagues and passengers alike over decades of safe flying. His steady leadership was a cornerstone of every flight he commanded, inspiring confidence and trust in everyone on board. Alongside him was First Officer Clive Kunder, a 32-year-old promising pilot from Mangalore who came from a family with deep roots in aviation. With over 1,100 hours of flight experience, Clive was known for his professionalism and commitment to excellence, aspiring to carry forward the legacy of his family’s aviation history with honor.

The cabin crew of Flight 171 was equally remarkable, embodying the spirit of hospitality, safety, and warmth that is so vital in commercial aviation. Among them was Manisha Thapa, a 27-year-old from Patna who had previously worked with IndiGo and Akasa Air. Manisha was known for her professionalism and charm on international routes, qualities that made passengers feel welcome and cared for during long-haul flights. Another young and promising crew member was Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, just 22 years old and hailing from Thoubal, Manipur. Having joined Air India in April 2023, Nganthoi was remembered for her bright spirit and unwavering dedication to her work, eager to grow and make a difference in her new career. Maithili Moreshwar Patil, also 22 and from Nhava village in Maharashtra, was a proud first-generation flight attendant who supported her family through her job. Her enthusiasm and pride in her role reflected a deep sense of responsibility and hope for a better future.

Irfan Shaikh, a 22-year-old from Pimpri-Chinchwad in Pune, Maharashtra, was another young member of the crew who had only recently begun his aviation career. Known for his kindness and ambition, Irfan exemplified the promise of a new generation stepping up to continue the tradition of service. Shraddha Dhavan, aged 44 and from Mulund West, Mumbai, was a senior crew member with 21 years of experience at Air India. Shraddha was respected and admired by generations of colleagues for her professionalism, dedication, and the mentorship she offered to younger staff. Aparna Mahadik, 42, from Goregaon East, Mumbai, served as a committed crew leader, fitness enthusiast, and compassionate figure who balanced discipline with empathy in her role. Deepak Pathak, a 36-year-old from Badlapur, Maharashtra, brought 11 years of experience to Flight 171, always prioritizing safety and service above all else. Among the younger crew was Roshni Rajendra Songhare, a 27-year-old from Dombivli, Maharashtra, a rising travel influencer and cabin crew professional engaged to be married. Her optimism and energy brightened many flights. Lamnunthem Singson, only 24 and from Manipur, was a newly recruited crew member full of hope and enthusiasm, just beginning what promised to be a meaningful career. Lastly, Saineeta Chakravarty, 35, from Santacruz West, Mumbai, was a former Go Air crew member who had recently transitioned to Air India, carrying with her experience and pride in her work.

Each of these twelve individuals carried the immense responsibility of ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of every passenger on board Flight 171. Their work often goes unnoticed in daily life but is fundamental to the functioning of international travel — a complex ballet of precision, care, and human connection. They were more than professionals; they were caretakers, mentors, friends, and family members. Their dedication reflected a lifelong commitment to the skies, to the airline industry, and to the passengers who entrusted them with their journeys.

The sudden and tragic loss of Flight 171’s crew and passengers has left an unfillable void in the hearts of their loved ones and the aviation community worldwide. The grief of their families is profound, as they come to terms with the unimaginable loss of cherished sons, daughters, siblings, spouses, and parents. Colleagues mourn the passing of mentors and friends who shaped their careers and lives, while passengers who had flown with them remember the warmth and professionalism that made every flight a safe and pleasant experience.

In the days following the tragedy, an extraordinary phenomenon captured the attention and hearts of many. Over Mumbai’s sky, a natural formation of clouds appeared, resembling a large cross shining through the heavens. Many saw this as a powerful symbol of hope, faith, and eternal peace. For countless mourners, this heavenly sign offered comfort and a reminder that even in the darkest times, light and grace endure. It inspired people across faiths and backgrounds to come together in shared prayer and reflection, honoring those lost and seeking solace for the grieving.

In this moment of deep sorrow, it is essential for all of us to unite in prayer, whatever our beliefs may be, and to hold in our hearts the twelve courageous crew members of Air India Flight 171, as well as the 229 passengers who perished alongside them. May their souls find eternal peace and rest in Heaven, embraced by mercy and love beyond measure. May their families find strength, comfort, and healing amid the waves of grief that follow such a loss. And may the memories of their lives — their smiles, their dedication, and their dreams — live on to inspire future generations.

The tragedy of Flight 171 is a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the preciousness of those who dedicate themselves to the safety and service of others. It is a call for the global aviation family to continue striving toward ever higher standards of safety, care, and professionalism. It is a moment to honor those who, day after day, risk and sacrifice so that millions may travel safely across the world.

As we remember Captain Sabharwal, First Officer Kunder, and the entire cabin crew — Manisha, Nganthoi, Maithili, Irfan, Shraddha, Aparna, Deepak, Roshni, Lamnunthem, and Saineeta — we celebrate not only their achievements and service but also their humanity. They were vibrant individuals with hopes, dreams, and loved ones who depended on them. Their legacy is carried forward in the hearts of those who knew them and in the skies they served with honor.

Let this tragedy not be forgotten. Let us keep alive the memory of these twelve brave souls and the hundreds who were lost alongside them. May their journey continue beyond this life, and may they be forever united in the peace of the heavens. We ask everyone to pause and send their prayers, thoughts, and love to those affected by this great loss. Together, united by wings and by hope, we stand stronger in remembrance and compassion.

May the Air India Flight 171 crew rest in eternal light and peace.