'I trust God & airline': Man who escaped AI-171 crash flies again on AI-159

Renumbered AI-159 flew from Ahmedabad to London four days after AI-171 crashed into a residential area, killing 241 on board on June 12

Air India’s London-bound service returned to the skies on Monday, just four days after the tragic crash of flight AI-171. The route was rebranded as AI-159 and departed Ahmedabad for London Gatwick at 4.30 pm — more than three hours behind schedule.

 

The flight was scheduled to depart at 1.10 pm but eventually departed at 4.30 pm.

 

At Gate 4 of Terminal 2, London shop-assistant Jayesh Ramji was ready to board the flight. “I was to return on AI 171. I postponed my travel to June 16 because my mother was unwell. All I want is to get back home safe,” he told The Times of India.

 

Ramji, 34, originally from Diu, added, “I trust God and the airline. I want to go back, not stay scared forever.”   

 

  Raas Mishra, a 28-year-old logistics executive, tried to calm his parents before boarding: “They were scared. I am a tad nervous, too, but I have flown Air India before. I trust their pilots.”

 

Kokila Patel, 72, called the extended delay “emotional exhaustion”, while Sabina Qasmani’s mother confessed she would stay anxious until her 21-year-old daughter phoned from London. “Since the crash, I haven’t been able to sleep. Sabina is flying the same route. It’s hard not to worry," she said, as quoted by the report.

 

For newly married Riddhi, the flight was a bittersweet milestone: “I was happy being with my family, but I now want to get back safely to my husband.”   

 

Air India crash in Ahmedabad

 

Flight AI-171 crashed into a residential area near Ahmedabad minutes after take-off on the afternoon of June 12. Of the 242 passengers and crew, 241 lost their lives. Casualties on the ground — including students in the BJ Medical College hostel — raised the overall death toll to 265.

 

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight-data recorder. A preliminary report is awaited. Tata Group has pledged ₹1 crore in compensation to the family of every victim.