The Monocle Daily Air India plane crash: What we know so far
Jun 12, 2025
In this discussion, journalist Ash Badwaj and political reporter Nadine Batchelor-Hunt delve into the recent tragic Air India plane crash, shedding light on the devastating impact and ongoing investigations. They explore potential causes, such as human error, and highlight the implications for aviation safety. The conversation shifts to geopolitical tensions linked to crises, touching on international relations, the AUKUS defense pact, and evolving alliances. They also consider the changing dynamics in tourism and politics, prompting a broader reflection on cultural trends.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Insight on Air India Crash
- The Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, impacting a populated area and causing numerous casualties on the ground.
- Early speculation suggests possible human error related to improper flap settings, but investigations involving multiple countries are ongoing.
Crash Investigation Process
- Crash investigations start with securing the wreckage and retrieving the black box to analyze flight data.
- Physical evidence on the ground is crucial alongside data to understand the cause of the crash.
Air India and Dreamliner Safety Record
- Air India and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner both have strong safety records, with no fatal crashes for Air India since 1982.
- This crash is the Dreamliner's first fatal accident, unrelated to earlier battery fire issues that were resolved years ago.