India Plane Crash: Passenger Misses Flight by Minutes Due to Traffic, Escapes Tragedy

Published: June 13, 2025

⏱️ A Narrow Escape on a Day of Disaster

While the nation continues to come to terms with the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171, one woman’s story stands out — a twist of fate and a traffic jam may have changed her life forever.

Bhoomi Chauhan, a 27-year-old postgraduate student traveling back to London, was scheduled to be on AI171, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025.

She missed the flight — by just ten minutes.

“I completely broke down after hearing what happened. My body is still trembling. I can’t even process it,” she said in an interview with Republic TV.
“That could have been me. I’m still in disbelief.”

🚕 A Delay That Changed Everything

Chauhan’s delay was not due to airline issues or paperwork, but a simple traffic jam on her way to the airport. The roads leading into the airport were unusually congested, and despite her efforts, she arrived just minutes after the boarding gate closed.

“I was rushing the entire time. My driver tried different routes, but we just couldn’t make it in time. I was devastated when I realized I had missed the flight,” Chauhan explained.

Soon after, her disappointment turned to shock as news broke that Flight AI171 had crashed into a residential area, causing a large-scale emergency and loss of life.

📍 About Flight AI171

Flight AI171 was a scheduled long-haul international flight operating between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick, with a total of 242 people on board, including passengers and crew.

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control and descended rapidly, ultimately impacting a building in the Meghani Nagar neighborhood. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Authorities have since confirmed that the incident has resulted in significant loss and damage, both to those on board and to residents on the ground.

🧑‍🎓 Bhoomi’s Journey: A Life Abroad, A Journey Delayed

Chauhan, who was visiting family in Gujarat during her academic break, said her original plan had been to return to London in time for a university meeting. Missing the flight felt like a personal setback — until she saw the news.

“My phone started blowing up. My family was crying. People thought I had boarded. Even I had to take a minute to accept that I wasn’t on it,” she said.

The emotional weight of the event has left her shaken. “I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I feel so deeply for everyone involved. I just can’t find the words.”

💬 Global Attention and Public Reaction

Chauhan’s story has quickly spread across social media platforms, resonating with people worldwide. Many have called it a “miracle,” while others say it is a sobering reminder of how unpredictable life can be.

“There’s no logic to this. Just ten minutes. It changes how you see everything,” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter).

Chauhan, however, has urged people to remain respectful and focus on supporting the affected families.

“This is not my story. It’s theirs. My heart is with them,” she added.

🚨 The Bigger Picture: Aviation and Urban Safety Under Review

As investigators continue examining the cause of the AI171 crash, aviation and safety experts are also reviewing how such incidents might be prevented in the future — especially in cities with dense populations near major airports.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with international agencies including the NTSB (USA) and AAIB (UK), are now leading a multi-agency investigation.

Initial reports suggest that the aircraft experienced technical issues shortly after takeoff, but officials have urged the public not to speculate until the black box and cockpit voice recordings are fully analyzed.

🕯️ National Grief and International Support

India observed a day of mourning following the tragedy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering his condolences. Leaders from the UK, Portugal, and Canada — countries whose citizens were among those on board — also expressed support.

Tata Group, which owns Air India, has pledged financial and logistical support for affected families, and has promised full cooperation with investigators.

🙏 Bhoomi’s Message: Gratitude and Reflection

In closing, Bhoomi Chauhan shared that she is taking time to reflect, regroup, and find a way to contribute meaningfully in the aftermath of the crash.

“I don’t know what comes next. I just want to help in any way I can. That flight was supposed to take me home. Now I carry this experience with me forever.”

🔗 Related Stories:

📄 Full Coverage: Air India Flight AI171 Incident in Ahmedabad
📹 Video: Air India Dreamliner Hits Building in Gujarat
🛫 Background: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Its Safety Record
🧩 Explained: How Urban Congestion Affects Airport Access in Indian Cities
🕊️ Voices of Survivors: More Stories from the AI171 Flight Incident

This story is part of our continuing coverage on the Air India Flight AI171 crash. Follow News18.com for verified updates.