Air India AI171 Pilot Identified as Captain Sumeet Sabharwal After Ahmedabad Crash

On June 12, 2025, Air India suffered a devastating blow when flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, headed to London Gatwick, was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a highly experienced pilot with over 8,200 flight hours to his name.

As the aviation community grapples with the loss, Captain Sumeet's name has come to the forefront-both for his veteran status within Air India and for the crucial role he played in the final moments of the ill-fated flight.

A Veteran in the Cockpit

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was one of Air India's most seasoned Boeing 787 commanders. With years of long-haul flying experience, he had operated numerous international sectors and was regarded as a calm, methodical, and safety-first pilot. His 8,200 hours of flight time made him well-equipped to handle both routine and high-pressure situations.

Described by colleagues as "disciplined and precise," Captain Sumeet was known for his adherence to protocol and his composed demeanor in the cockpit.

Assisting him in the cockpit was First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours of flight experience. Both pilots were trained to handle long-haul international operations and emergencies.

Final Flight: What We Know

On the afternoon of June 12, flight AI171 took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST (0809 UTC). Within minutes, the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call, indicating an in-flight emergency. According to the Gujarat State Police Control Room, air traffic control lost communication shortly thereafter.

The Boeing 787, registered as VT-ANB, crashed just outside the airport perimeter, leaving a trail of wreckage and smoke. Captain Sumeet's response during the crisis is now part of an intensive investigation led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and supported by Air India and international aviation experts.