India’s aviation industry has seen massive growth, but it has also faced numerous controversies, safety failures, and scandals that have shaken passenger confidence. While airlines promise efficiency, luxury, and safety, reality has often been different. From hijackings and fatal crashes to financial collapses and shocking customer service failures, Indian airlines have repeatedly made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Whether it’s passengers stranded for hours without food, airlines shutting down overnight due to debt, or terrifying in-flight incidents, these moments have exposed serious flaws in the Indian aviation sector. In this article, we look at 5 of the most infamous incidents involving Indian airlines, each of which left a lasting impact on the industry and its passengers.
1. The Kandahar Hijacking: Indian Airlines Flight 814 (1999) – A National Crisis
On December 24, 1999, Indian Airlines Flight 814 (IC-814), flying from Kathmandu to Delhi, was hijacked mid-air by five armed terrorists. The plane, carrying 176 passengers and crew, was forced to make multiple stops in Amritsar, Lahore, and Dubai before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, then under Taliban control.
- The hijackers demanded the release of three terrorists, including Masood Azhar, the future founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
- The week-long ordeal ended with the Indian government negotiating the release of hostages in exchange for the prisoners.
- Tragically, passenger Rupin Katyal was killed during the hijacking.
This incident exposed India’s vulnerability to terror threats and is still considered one of the country’s most dramatic hostage crises.
2. Air India Flight 182 Bombing (1985) – The Deadliest Terror Attack on an Indian Airline
On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, en route from Montreal to Delhi, was blown up mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean near Ireland. The bombing, orchestrated by Sikh separatist group Babbar Khalsa, resulted in 329 fatalities, making it the deadliest aviation-related terrorist attack before 9/11.
- Investigations revealed that the bomb had been placed in unattended baggage at Vancouver Airport.
- The attack was part of a larger terror plot to target two Air India planes simultaneously.
- It exposed severe lapses in airline security and baggage screening procedures.
The event led to sweeping changes in global aviation security policies, including stricter baggage checks.
3. Air India Flight 605 Crash (1990) – A Fatal Pilot Error in Bangalore
On February 14, 1990, Air India Flight 605, an Airbus A320, was approaching Bangalore’s HAL Airport when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed into a field just short of the runway.
- 92 out of 146 passengers died in the accident.
- The pilot miscalculated altitude, descending too early.
- The black box recordings later revealed confusion in the cockpit about altitude readings.
This tragedy raised questions about pilot training and led to improvements in approach procedures and Airbus A320 cockpit protocols.
4. The Rise and Fall of Kingfisher Airlines (2012) – A Billionaire’s Dream Gone Wrong
Kingfisher Airlines, founded by Vijay Mallya in 2005, was once a luxury airline known for its premium services. However, financial mismanagement led to its spectacular collapse in 2012, leaving thousands of employees unpaid and passengers stranded.
- By 2012, the airline owed over ₹7,000 crore ($1 billion) in loans.
- Unpaid fuel bills and airport charges led to the grounding of flights.
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suspended its license in October 2012.
- Employees went months without salaries, leading to protests.
Mallya, now a fugitive, fled India in 2016 and remains in legal battles over loan defaults.
5. The Tragic Crash of Indian Airlines Flight 113 (1988)
On October 19, 1988, Indian Airlines Flight 113, a Boeing 737, crashed on approach to Ahmedabad airport, killing 130 people.
- Poor visibility and pilot misjudgment were blamed.
- The aircraft descended too low despite multiple warnings.
- This accident led to stricter approach and landing protocols in Indian airports.
Summary – Indian Airlines Must Do Better
Indian aviation has had its share of triumphs and disasters, but some events stand out for their sheer shock value and consequences. From the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 to the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines, these incidents highlight security loopholes, financial mismanagement, and operational failures that have affected millions of passengers.
While some incidents led to policy changes and stricter regulations, others exposed deep-rooted issues in airline management and safety standards. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a frequent flyer, these 5 major airline controversies serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that Indian aviation continues to face.
