7 Deadliest Flight Crashes In The World: A Grim Reminder After Ahmedabad Tragedy

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The tragic crash of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 of the 242 lives onboard, has sent shockwaves across the globe.

Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

The aircraft carried passengers from India, the UK (52 citizens), and Portugal (6 citizens).

As the world mourns this disaster, here’s a look at seven of the deadliest plane crashes in aviation history.

1. 1977 Tenerife airport disaster, Spain (586 Deaths)

On March 27, 1977, a bomb exploded at Las Palmas Airport, forcing the diversion of two aircraft, KLM Flight 4805 and Pan Am Flight 1736, to Los Rodeos Airport.

Due to miscommunication and fog, both jets ended up on the same runway and collided.

The catastrophic crash killed 586 people, making it the deadliest aviation accident in history.

2. Japan Airlines Flight 123 crash (520 Deaths)

On August 12, 1985, a Japan Airlines Boeing 747 crashed into a mountain shortly after takeoff due to a failure in the pressurisation system.

The pilots lost control, leading to a crash that killed 520 passengers and crew.

It remains the deadliest single-aircraft disaster.

3. Turkish airlines DC-10 crash, Paris (346 Deaths)

On March 3, 1974, a Turkish Airlines DC-10 en route from Istanbul to London crashed near Paris.

The cargo door burst open mid-flight, causing a sudden decompression.

The crew lost control of the aircraft, leading to the deaths of all 346 people onboard.

Investigators later blamed a design flaw in the cargo door mechanism.

4. Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, India (349 Deaths)

On November 12, 1996, a Kazakhstani passenger jet and a Saudi Arabian cargo plane collided mid-air over the village of Tikri Kala near Charkhi Dadri, Haryana.

The Kazakh aircraft descended below its assigned altitude despite repeated ATC warnings, causing a collision that killed 349 people.

Debris and bodies were scattered across a 10-km radius.

Casualty Details:

• 231 Indians
• 18 Saudis
• 9 Nepalese
• 3 Pakistanis
• 2 Americans
• 1 British national

5. Saudi Arabian airlines Lockheed L-1011 Tristar fire (301 Deaths)

On August 19, 1980, a Saudi Airlines aircraft caught fire in the cabin shortly after takeoff from Riyadh.

Although the pilots managed to land the plane safely, the evacuation was delayed.

Tragically, all 301 people onboard died from smoke inhalation and fire before rescue could reach them.

6. Lion air flight JT610, Indonesia (189 Deaths)

On October 29, 2018, a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed into the sea just 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 passengers and crew.

Investigators attributed the crash to a faulty sensor and a failure in the aircraft’s MCAS system.

7. Air India flight 855 crash, Mumbai (213 Deaths)

On January 1, 1978, Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea just two minutes after takeoff from Mumbai.

The Boeing 747, piloted by Captain Madan Lal Kukar, suffered a navigation equipment failure.

Investigators concluded that the crash likely resulted from spatial disorientation among the pilots. All 213 on board died.

These tragic events highlight the importance of rigorous aviation safety protocols and constant technological advancements in air travel.

As the world mourns the Ahmedabad crash, these past disasters serve as solemn reminders of the fragility of human life and the critical role of aviation safety.

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