The tragic Air India crash Today (June 12) in Ahmedabad brings attention to India’s flight safety laws. Here’s a detailed look at how aviation safety is regulated and what protections passengers have.
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NEW DELHI: On 12th June 2025, a very sad and tragic incident happened in Ahmedabad involving an Air India plane crash. The Supreme Court of India, along with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and all the judges, have shared their deep sorrow and support for the families who lost their loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy.
The Chief Justice of India gave an emotional message, standing with the people affected by this unfortunate event.
He also showed his concern for the people receiving treatment and care at B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.
In his own words, the Chief Justice said-
“During this difficult times our thoughts and prayers are with them. May they find strength and solace in the support of their loved ones”.
The officials of the Supreme Court Registry have also joined the Chief Justice and judges in expressing their condolences.
Details of the Crash
According to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India flight AI 171 took off at 1:39 p.m. local time.
Just five minutes later, it crashed into a residential locality known as Meghani Nagar. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as the co-pilot.
There were 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard.
The airline confirmed that the flight had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
Mayday Call Before Crash
The DGCA reported that the aircraft made a “Mayday” distress call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) soon after takeoff from Runway 23. A Mayday call is an internationally recognized emergency signal indicating that the aircraft is in serious danger and needs immediate assistance.
Captain Sumeet, who had 8,200 hours of flying experience, and the co-pilot, who had 1,100 hours, communicated the emergency, but soon after the Mayday, all communication from the aircraft stopped.
The aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, and heavy smoke was seen at the site, confirming a major fire or explosion.
What is a Mayday Call?
The term “Mayday” was introduced in the early 1920s by Frederick Stanley Mockford, a radio officer at Croydon Airport, London. It comes from the French phrase “m’aider”, meaning “help me”, and was made standard in 1927 for emergency communications worldwide.
When a pilot says “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” it means the aircraft is facing a life-threatening emergency. All other radio conversations must stop, and air traffic controllers must focus only on helping the flight.
The pilot then shares vital details like the plane’s location, nature of the emergency, number of people onboard, and any specific needs to help rescue teams respond quickly.
Legal Compensation for Victims Under Montreal Convention
In case of death or injury during an international flight, airlines in India are required to follow the Montreal Convention, 1999, which India has signed.
Under this law:
- Passengers are eligible for compensation up to 128,821 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) – around Rs Rs 1.4 crore per person, regardless of who is at fault.
- If it is proven that the airline was negligent, families may get higher compensation.
- Even though the rule is for international flights, Indian airlines usually apply similar rules for domestic flights, as per DGCA guidelines.
Importance of Travel Insurance
Apart from airline compensation, travel insurance can give extra financial protection in such tragic events. Travel insurance is not just for lost baggage or trip delays; it becomes very useful during serious accidents like plane crashes.
Special flight accident insurance provides coverage for risks related to air travel. Though rare, plane crashes can cause severe loss, so such insurance offers financial peace of mind.
Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include:
- Accidental death benefits ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
- Permanent disability coverage from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
- Medical expenses, hospitalisation costs, and emergency evacuations.
- Compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or daily allowances during hospital stays.
Air India Crash Sparks Focus on Flight Safety Laws in India: Are Our Skies Truly Safe?
The recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad, where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed just minutes after takeoff, has created serious concerns about flight safety in India.
As investigators try to find out what went wrong, many people are now asking:
- How safe is flying in India?
- What laws are in place to protect passengers?
- And who is responsible for checking that airlines are following safety rules?
This tragic event has forced a closer look at India’s aviation safety standards, the role of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the legal responsibilities of airlines.
Who Regulates Flight Safety in India?
India’s civil aviation safety is managed and regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It is a government body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, responsible for:
- Making safety rules for airlines, airports, and aircraft.
- Inspecting and certifying aircraft and pilots.
- Investigating accidents and incidents.
- Making sure airlines follow international standards.
DGCA works based on the Aircraft Act, 1934, and the Aircraft Rules, 1937. These are the main laws that give power to the government to control aviation safety in India.
Important Flight Safety Rules Airlines Must Follow in India
Under Indian aviation law, airlines must follow strict safety protocols, including:
1. Airworthiness of Aircraft
- All aircraft must be certified as airworthy before they can fly.
- DGCA checks aircraft regularly and can ground any plane found unsafe.
- In the case of older aircraft or models with safety alerts, more frequent inspections are required.
2. Pilot Qualifications and Training
- Pilots must hold valid Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) issued or approved by DGCA.
- They must go through simulator training, medical tests, and flying hours to stay certified.
- DGCA tracks pilot experience. For example, in the Air India crash, the captain had 8200 hours of flying experience, and the co-pilot had 1100 hours.
3. Flight Data Monitoring
- Airlines must use Flight Data Recorders (FDRs) and Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs).
- These tools help analyze flight behavior and detect technical or human errors.
4. Scheduled Maintenance
- Airlines must follow a regular maintenance schedule approved by the DGCA.
- Any delay or failure in scheduled checks is considered a serious violation.
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5. Reporting and Investigating Incidents
- All accidents and technical problems must be reported immediately.
- DGCA, along with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), investigates crashes.
Passengers’ Legal Rights Under Indian and International Law
In case of accidents or safety failures, passengers and their families have specific rights:
● Under Indian Law:
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 allows passengers to file complaints against airlines for negligence, deficiency in service, or emotional distress.
- Passengers can also file cases in civil courts for damages or compensation.
● Under the Montreal Convention, 1999:
- Indian airlines flying internationally must pay up to 128,821 SDRs (~Rs 1.4 crore) to victims or their families for death or injury, even if the airline was not at fault.
- If it is proven that the airline was careless or negligent, the compensation may be higher.
How Often Are Aircraft Safety Checks Done in India?
- Routine checks like Daily Inspections (DI) and Weekly Inspections are done at regular intervals.
- Major checks like ‘C-checks’ and ‘D-checks’ are more detailed and happen after every few thousand hours of flight.
- DGCA also conducts random audits and surprise checks to catch violations.
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However, past reports by India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) have pointed out shortages of technical staff, delays in inspections, and poor record-keeping by some airlines.
What Happens After a Crash Like Air India Flight AI 171?
Following such a serious crash:
- DGCA and AAIB start a full investigation. The aircraft’s black box (FDR and CVR) is recovered and analyzed.
- If pilot error, technical fault, or maintenance issue is found, the airline may face:
- Heavy penalties
- Suspension of operations
- Criminal charges, if gross negligence is proven
- Affected families are offered compensation, and the government may provide legal support.
Need for Stronger Safety Culture in Indian Aviation
While flying remains one of the safest modes of travel, this crash shows that vigilance is still necessary. Experts are now calling for:
- Faster response systems during in-flight emergencies.
- More transparency from airlines about safety practices.
- Better training programs for new pilots and ground staff.
- Regular public safety audits of all airlines, especially low-cost and older aircraft fleets.
Conclusion: What This Crash Teaches Us About Flight Safety
The Air India accident is a painful reminder that aviation safety is not just about technology, but also about strong systems, laws, and responsibility. India has solid laws in place, but enforcement must be strong and consistent.
For everyday travelers, it is important to:
- Check if your airline follows safety norms.
- Be aware of your legal rights.
- Consider buying travel insurance before international or domestic flights.
As India’s aviation sector continues to grow, this incident must become a wake-up call to improve safety, protect passengers, and ensure that tragedies like this do not happen again.
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