June 13, 2025: Just hours before the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, readers across Gujarat opened their morning newspapers to see a front-page advertisement that now feels unsettling. The ad — promoting KidZania’s Father’s Day event — featured an Air India aircraft flying over a cartoon cityscape, encouraging kids to role-play as pilots and cabin crew.
The cheerful ad appeared in Mid-Day, the same morning the AI171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick. The crash claimed the lives of 241 people, with only one survivor. The chilling timing of the ad has since drawn widespread attention on social media, with many calling it an eerie coincidence.
Also Read: What Does the Black Box Reveal About the AI-171 Crash?
Users shared screenshots of the ad, pointing out its uncanny resemblance to the real-life aircraft that went down. While no one blamed KidZania or the publication — both clarified the ad was planned weeks in advance — many described the moment as “prophetic” and “unbelievable.” One user wrote, “Same airline. Same visual. How shocking & mysterious,” while another asked, “Was that a sign?”
KidZania India later issued a statement expressing sorrow over the crash and confirming they have paused the ad campaign out of respect. The aircraft imagery used in the ad represents KidZania’s Aviation Academy, a longstanding partnership with Air India used globally across its centres. “We remain sensitive to this tragedy,” said the company, “and offer our heartfelt condolences.”