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'I trust God & airline': Man who escaped AI-171 crash flies again on AI-159
New Delhi
Air India's London-bound service returned to the skies on Monday, just four days after the tragic crash of flight AI-171. The route was rebranded as AI-159 and departed Ahmedabad for London Gatwick at 4.30 pm — more than three hours behind schedule.
The flight was scheduled to depart at 1.10 pm but eventually departed at 4.30 pm.
At Gate 4 of Terminal 2, London shop-assistant Jayesh Ramji was ready to board the flight. 'I was to return on AI 171. I postponed my travel to June 16 because my mother was unwell. All I want is to get back home safe,' he told The Times of India.
Raas Mishra, a 28-year-old logistics executive, tried to calm his parents before boarding: 'They were scared. I am a tad nervous, too, but I have flown Air India before. I trust their pilots.'
Kokila Patel, 72, called the extended delay 'emotional exhaustion', while Sabina Qasmani's mother confessed she would stay anxious until her 21-year-old daughter phoned from London. 'Since the crash, I haven't been able to sleep. Sabina is flying the same route. It's hard not to worry," she said, as quoted by the report.
Air India crash in Ahmedabad
Flight AI-171 crashed into a residential area near Ahmedabad minutes after take-off on the afternoon of June 12. Of the 242 passengers and crew, 241 lost their lives. Casualties on the ground — including students in the BJ Medical College hostel — raised the overall death toll to 265.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight-data recorder. A preliminary report is awaited. Tata Group has pledged ₹1 crore in compensation to the family of every victim.
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