Friends and Family of Air India Pilot Say Goodbye at Funeral: ‘He Was a Hero’

Friends and Family Bid Farewell to Air India Pilot at Funeral: Tribute to a Hero

Relatives and neighbours gathered outside the Powai residence to pay their respects as the mortal remains of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who tragically lost his life in the Air India flight disaster, were brought home on June 17, 2025, in Mumbai, India. Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, was one of the pilots on board the ill-fated Air India plane that crashed on June 12, resulting in the loss of his life and 240 other individuals. Sabharwal had been contemplating retirement from flying to take care of his elderly father. The solemn procession proceeded from Powai to the Chakala electric crematorium.

A former cabin crew colleague shared heartfelt memories of Sabharwal, expressing how the pilot was not just a dedicated professional but also a compassionate individual who never boasted about his position. The community mourned the loss of this talented pilot, with one mourner emphasising the need for a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future. Sabharwal, along with his co-pilot, was among the 241 individuals aboard Air India Flight AI171 that crashed shortly after departure, in a residential area called Meghani Nagar in Ahmedabad.

Air India confirmed the composition of the passengers and crew on the flight, revealing a mix of Indian, British, and Portuguese nationals, alongside a Canadian passenger. The airline later announced that a British national was the sole survivor of the catastrophic incident. Sabharwal, with his extensive experience of 8,200 flight hours, made a distress call to air traffic control before the fatal crash occurred. Reports also highlighted Sabharwal’s role as the primary caregiver for his elderly father, indicating his selfless nature and dedication to his family.

The tragic loss of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal deeply impacted his family and community, with his remains handed over to his grieving family in Mumbai. The emotional funeral scenes showed Sabharwal’s elderly father standing beside his son’s casket, offering prayers in a poignant moment. The significance of Sabharwal’s presence in his father’s life was evident as he lamented his absence with a heavy heart, stating, “He was my support in old age… and now he’s gone.”

Sabharwal’s neighbours and friends lauded his heroic efforts to divert the plane away from a densely populated area during the crash, potentially saving lives on the ground. The sentiments expressed by those who knew him reflected admiration and respect for his courage and sacrifice. While the official cause of the crash remains under investigation, the recovery of the black boxes provides hope for understanding the circumstances leading to this tragic event.

In the midst of sorrow and loss, the community came together to honour a remarkable individual who will be remembered for his professionalism, dedication, and selflessness. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s legacy as a hero and loving son continues to resonate with those who knew him, underscoring the profound impact of his untimely departure. As the investigation progresses, the collective memory of Sabharwal’s bravery serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration amid the sombre reflections on this devastating air disaster.