Captain Sumeet Sabharwal: Veteran Air India Pilot Dies in Ahmedabad Crash
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a respected and experienced Air India pilot, died tragically in the AI-171 crash just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025. He was en route to London with eight other Mumbai-based crew members.
The 54-year-old pilot had over 8,200 hours of flying experience. Yet, colleagues believe his actual experience was far higher, since the DGCA’s digital logs often miss older records. Sabharwal had recently spoken to his family from the airport, promising to call again after landing in London. That call never came.
Nearly Three Decades in the Sky
For almost 30 years, Captain Sabharwal flew some of Air India’s most advanced aircraft. He operated the Airbus A310, the Boeing 777, and the Dreamliner (Boeing 787) on numerous international routes. His peers often relied on his calm presence and technical expertise.
“He never made a fuss. He just flew his aircraft with complete focus,” a colleague said.
Because of his steady performance, the airline frequently assigned him to long-haul and high-profile international flights.
A Family’s Hope Shattered
Just before takeoff, Captain Sabharwal assured his family everything was normal. He made a brief call from the Ahmedabad airport. Sadly, that would be the last conversation they ever had.
Instead of receiving a safe landing message, his loved ones heard the heartbreaking news of the crash.
Captain Sabharwal lived with his 82-year-old father in Jal Vayu Vihar, Powai, a community for former defense and aviation personnel. His sister rushed from Delhi to be by their father’s side. On Friday, a medical team visited their home to collect DNA samples for formal identification.
Beyond the Numbers: A Quiet Role Model
While investigations are underway, what’s often missing from reports is the human loss behind such crashes. Sabharwal wasn’t just a name on a list—he was a caring son, a devoted colleague, and a man who wanted to take time off soon to care for his aging father.
Earlier this month, he told his father he planned to take a break and spend time with him. That plan, heartbreakingly, will never materialize.
Calls for Better Pilot Records
This tragedy also reveals issues in how India records pilot experience. The DGCA’s digital system, launched only recently, doesn’t always capture the full scope of a pilot’s career. As a result, veterans like Captain Sabharwal don’t receive the recognition they deserve.
Aviation experts are now urging the government to digitize older records. Doing so would ensure future pilots are recognized properly, both in service and in memory.
To read more about the crash, visit our full report on the Air India Ahmedabad crash.
Honoring a Legacy in the Skies
Captain Sabharwal’s life stood as a testament to professionalism and quiet resilience. His death has left a hole not just in Air India’s operations, but also in the lives of everyone who knew and trusted him.
He flew high, stayed grounded in values, and inspired others without needing the spotlight. Now, as the skies mourn one of their own, India salutes Captain Sumeet Sabharwal — a true aviation hero.
