The flight that crashed in India killing all 242 people on board was reportedly grounded in December 2024 after a “major fault”. Indian outlet Mathrubhumi News reported that Flight AI-171 was grounded in December 2024 due to a “major technical snag”, leaving nearly 300 passengers stranded.
The site added that the incident sparked criticism over “maintenance lapses and flight safety procedures”, but the aircraft was later cleared to continue operations. Republic has also reported that, in December 2024, the same flight was grounded after a “major fault”.
The Express has contacted Air India for comment.
A spokesperson for India’s external affairs ministry said “we have lost a lot of people”.
Randhir Jaiswal told a media briefing: “What has happened in Ahmedabad is a very tragic accident. We have lost a lot of people.
“We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.
“There are, I understand, several foreigners also.”
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