June 17, 2025: KERALA PLANE CRASH: One of the darkest days in Indian aviation unfolded at Calicut International Airport when Air India Express Flight IX 1344, operating under the Vande Bharat repatriation mission, crash-landed during heavy rain and skidded off the tabletop runway.
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was carrying 190 people, including 10 infants, 174 adult passengers, and six crew members. It had departed from Dubai and was nearing the end of its journey when tragedy struck.
Crash Details
The aircraft attempted to land amid intense monsoon conditions. Upon touchdown, it overshot Runway 10 and plunged into a 35-foot-deep gorge, splitting into two on impact. Initial investigations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suggested a combination of poor visibility, aquaplaning, and a delayed touchdown point as contributing factors.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The crash claimed the lives of 21 individuals, including Captain Deepak Vasant Sathe and co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar, both of whom were decorated former Indian Air Force pilots. Over 110 people were injured, some critically. Quick response from local residents and airport personnel helped prevent a higher death toll.
Aftermath and Investigations
The crash reignited debates around the safety of India’s tabletop runways — especially at airports like Kozhikode and Mangaluru — which are flanked by steep drops on either end. Authorities were also criticized for allowing landings in such harsh weather.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report later cited the pilots’ decision to land in tailwind conditions, despite two failed attempts to land from the opposite direction, as a primary cause. The condition of the runway, poor weather visibility, and absence of runway safety area standards were also flagged.
Legacy and Reforms
Following the tragedy, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the DGCA initiated stricter audits for high-risk airports. The Kozhikode crash is now regarded as a pivotal event that reshaped India’s aviation safety protocols.
Remembering the Victims
Commemorations are held annually by families of the victims and survivors. The crash remains a somber reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the importance of rigorous safety oversight.