Flight AI171: The Dreams That Never Touched the Sky
I’ve been to the UK three times in the last year.
Every time, I’ve stood at a check-in counter, scanned boarding gates, made that silent prayer during takeoff. Like clockwork. Like most of us do.
When I heard about Air India Flight AI171, it hit differently. Not because it was in the news. But because I could so easily see myself—or someone I love—on that flight. That was just another group of people… doing what we all do. Flying toward something hopeful.
A new job. A long-due vacation. A fresh chapter. A summer break.
And yet, what was meant to take them forward… ended everything.
🩺 A Family That Left with Dreams and a Dozen Plans
A doctor, his engineer wife, and their two children—moving to the UK to build a better life. I know that feeling. Shifting countries isn’t just paperwork and packing—it’s emotional. They were probably nervous and excited, maybe had a goodbye dinner with family the night before. They boarded AI171 with everything sorted.
But fate doesn’t care how sorted your plans are.
👴🏽 A Couple Taking Their First International Flight
A retired couple from Agra. They were headed to the UK—maybe their first trip out of India. Maybe a gift from their children. I’ve seen parents like them at airports—nervous, proud, carrying sweets and medicines in ziplock bags. They were probably telling each other, “We’ll show the kids we can travel too.”
They never got to.
🧑🤝🧑 Two Siblings, Just Starting to Write Their Story
There were two siblings on board, young and bright. Headed to London for a summer break, probably their first solo trip. Maybe they were fighting over who gets the window seat. Maybe one of them posted a “see you soon” story online. In a blink, the future they were just beginning to imagine… disappeared.
📱 A Family of Five Who Clicked One Last Selfie
They took a selfie just before takeoff. It’s something we all do. I’ve done it with my kids. Window shots. Cabin selfies. A moment captured before the journey begins. For them, it was the last photo. Found in the wreckage. A frozen smile, seconds before disaster.
🎥 “Bye Bye India” – A Video That Breaks You
Two British friends. Done with a magical India tour. They filmed a quick reel: “Bye bye India!”—waving, smiling, unaware. That clip has now gone viral. Not because of how they said goodbye. But because the world didn’t get a chance to say it back.
🇮🇳 A Public Figure, a Quiet Farewell
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on that flight. No media, no announcements—just a regular passenger on a regular journey. His presence reminded us that tragedy doesn’t look at position or privilege. Everyone on board became equal in that final moment.
🪑 The Man in Seat 11A
The only one who survived: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Seat 11A. He remembers a sudden noise, a jolt, darkness… and then, waking up in a place that no longer looked like the inside of a plane. He didn’t walk out. He was pulled out. Alone. Alive. In pain. And still unsure why he was spared.
✈️ As a Traveller, I Felt This One Deeply
This wasn’t just an air crash.
It was a hundred goodbyes that were never meant to be final.
A hundred stories that never got to finish.
A hundred ordinary people who made a routine decision—to fly from one point to another—and ended up in the unthinkable.
I’ve been that person. So have you.
We pack. We board. We expect to land.
That’s why this one hurts so much. Because there was no drama, no mystery—just people… just like us.
If I Can't, You Can Never!! 