On June 28, 2025, a heartfelt tribute was paid to the 12 crew members of Air India Flight AI171, who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash. Their colleagues, who share a strong bond like family, gathered at the airline’s headquarters to express their condolences. They created a vivid picture of the deceased crew members, honouring their memories with deep affection.
Campbell Wilson, the CEO of Air India, was visibly moved during the tribute. He struggled to find the right words, saying, “What we feel cannot be put into words. We will all bear this loss together. But we will move forward by preserving the memories of our colleagues and honouring their service and passion.”
After the official tribute, fellow crew members personally paid their respects. Captain Sumit Sabharwal, who served for 30 years, was fondly known as “Shed Sec” among friends due to his calm demeanor and confidence, even in stressful situations. He was a respectful figure who never competed with others and took pride in wearing his uniform.
First Officer Clive Kunder, aged 26, was remembered as more than just a colleague. A fellow crew member emotionally shared, “He was like a brother to me. He has taken flight from the earthly skies to the heavens above. He will never be forgotten.”
The stories shared by the cabin crew were equally heartbreaking. Cabin Supervisor Shraddha Dhawan was remembered by a friend who had known her since before they joined the airline. She recalled how, after even the most tiring flights, Shraddha would iron her uniform and prepare for the next sector. No matter how challenging the flights were, she always performed her duties with a bright smile.
Friends described Maithili Patil as a devout woman who always carried a statue of Lord Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita on her flights. They also spoke about Nagnath Sharma, who excitedly messaged about his sister’s flight to London and promised to return on June 15.
The tributes included seasoned crew members, such as Deepak Pathak and Aparna Mahadik, as well as newer crew members like Irfan Sheikh, Lamanunthem Singhsan, Sainita Chakravarti, Roshni Songhare, and Manisha Thapa, who were remembered for their professionalism, enthusiasm, and compassion.
A friend of Sainita shared, “For us, the aircraft is not just a machine. It is our second home. The grief of losing our crew members from the Air India family and the communities they came from is immense. They have left behind memories of dedication, kindness, and a passion for flying.”
This emotional gathering highlighted the close-knit relationships formed within the airline. The loss of the crew members has deeply impacted their colleagues and the airline community. The memories of their service and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew them. As Air India moves forward, the tributes serve as a reminder of the strength of community and the impact of those who serve in the skies.
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