The recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad has once again highlighted the tragic consequences of aviation disasters. The aircraft had 242 passengers, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, along with 52 British and 6 Portuguese nationals. Over 100 bodies have been recovered, though official confirmation is awaited.
Here’s a look at the 10 deadliest plane accidents in global aviation history:
1. March 1977 – Collision in Spain: 586 Deaths
The deadliest plane crash in aviation history occurred on 27 March 1977 at Los Rodeos Airport, Spain, when two Boeing 747 jets – KLM Flight 4805 and Pan Am Flight 1736 – collided on the runway. Due to miscommunication and dense fog, 586 people were killed.
2. August 1985 – Japan Airlines Crash: 520 Dead
On 12 August 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashed into a mountain after its rear pressure bulkhead failed, causing a rapid loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft lost control, leading to 520 fatalities, the deadliest single-aircraft crash ever recorded.
3. November 1996 – Mid-Air Collision in Haryana, India: 349 Dead
On 12 November 1996, a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 collided near Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, India. 349 people were killed due to pilot miscommunication and altitude misunderstanding.
4. March 1974 – Turkish Airlines Crash Near Paris: 346 Dead
On 3 March 1974, a Turkish Airlines DC-10 crashed near Paris after a cargo door broke mid-flight, leading to sudden decompression. The aircraft lost control and fell into a forest, killing all 346 people on board. The disaster was later traced to a design flaw.
5. August 1980 – Saudi Arabian Fire Disaster: 301 Dead
On 19 August 1980, a Saudi Airlines Lockheed Tristar caught fire shortly after takeoff from Riyadh. Although the aircraft landed safely, smoke inhalation killed all 301 passengers, as evacuation was delayed due to poor emergency response.
6. January 1978 – Air India Crash in Arabian Sea: 213 Dead
On 1 January 1978, an Air India Boeing 747 crashed into the Arabian Sea shortly after takeoff from Mumbai, en route to Dubai. Due to directional confusion and technical failure, 213 lives were lost.
7. May 2010 – Mangalore Airport Tragedy: 158 Dead
On 22 May 2010, Air India Express Flight 812, returning from Dubai, overshot the runway at Mangalore Airport and fell into a gorge. The plane broke in two, killing 158 people. The cause was pilot fatigue and delayed landing, leaving insufficient space to brake.
8. August 2020 – Kozhikode Runway Crash: 21 Dead
On 7 August 2020, during the Vande Bharat Mission, Air India Express Flight 1344 from Dubai skidded off the runway in Kozhikode, Kerala. The aircraft broke apart, resulting in 21 deaths and 110 injuries.
9. April 1993 – Plane Collides with Truck in Aurangabad: 55 Dead
On 26 April 1993, Indian Airlines Flight 491 collided with a truck on the runway while taking off from Aurangabad. The plane caught fire, resulting in 55 deaths. The accident highlighted severe runway safety lapses.
10. Recent 2025 – Air India Crash in Ahmedabad
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 242 passengers crashed near Ahmedabad, with early reports suggesting over 100 fatalities. Among the passengers were foreign nationals and political figures. The cause is yet to be confirmed.