On June 12, 2025, the aviation world was shaken by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London Gatwick with 242 people on board, issued a critical “Mayday” call moments before losing contact with air traffic control (ATC). This distress signal, a cornerstone of aviation safety, played a pivotal role in alerting authorities to the emergency. But what exactly is a Mayday call, and why is it so significant in incidents like the Ahmedabad crash? This article delves into the meaning, history, and critical use of the Mayday call, with a focus on its relevance to this devastating event.

What Is a Mayday Call?

A Mayday call is the international distress signal used in aviation and maritime communications to indicate a life-threatening emergency. When a pilot or ship captain issues a Mayday call, it signals that their aircraft or vessel is in immediate danger, requiring urgent assistance. The call is always repeated three times—“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”—to ensure it stands out amidst radio chatter and is not mistaken for other communications. This repetition is vital in high-stress situations where clarity can mean the difference between life and death.

Following the call, pilots provide essential details to aid rescue efforts, such as:

• The aircraft’s identification or flight number.
• The nature of the emergency (e.g., engine failure, fire, or loss of control).
• The current location or last known position.
• The number of people on board and any specific needs, like medical assistance.

In the case of Air India Flight AI171, the pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, issued a Mayday call to ATC shortly after takeoff at 1:39 PM IST, indicating a severe emergency. Tragically, the aircraft lost contact with ATC seconds later, and no further response was received, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

The Role of Mayday in the Ahmedabad Crash

Air India Flight AI171, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, took off from Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM on June 12, 2025. Moments later, the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, issued a Mayday call to ATC, signaling a dire emergency. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with 8,200 hours of experience and co-pilot Clive Kundar with 1,100 hours, failed to respond to ATC’s subsequent calls. The aircraft crashed into the Meghaninagar area near the airport, striking a doctors’ hostel at a medical college, resulting in a massive fireball and heavy black smoke.

Reports indicate the plane struggled to gain altitude, reaching only 625 feet before descending rapidly at a rate of 475 feet per minute. The Mayday call was the last communication from the flight, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The crash, which killed over 200 people, including passengers and locals on the ground, marked the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The Mayday call triggered an immediate response from emergency services. Firefighters, ambulances, and police rushed to the site, where the wreckage was embedded in a residential building. The DGCA and other authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause, with initial reports suggesting a catastrophic failure to climb, possibly exacerbated by the plane’s heavy fuel load for the long-haul flight.

The Origins of “Mayday” Call Alert

The term “Mayday” originates from the French phrase m’aider, meaning “help me,” a shortened form of venez m’aider (“come help me”). It was proposed in 1923 by Frederick Stanley Mockford, a radio officer at Croydon Airport in London, to address the need for a clear, unmistakable distress signal for voice communications. At the time, Morse code’s SOS was standard for telegraphy, but it was less effective for spoken radio due to potential misinterpretation. “Mayday” was chosen for its distinct pronunciation and was officially adopted globally in 1927 by the International Radiotelegraph Convention. Despite its French roots, it has no connection to the May Day holiday celebrated on May 1st.

Why Mayday Calls Matter

The call’s structure ensures critical information is relayed quickly. For example, a pilot might say, “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, Air India Flight AI171, engine failure, 625 feet, Meghaninagar area, 242 souls on board.” This format allows rescuers to act swiftly, though in this case, the aircraft’s immediate descent limited response options.

Mayday & Air India crash in Ahmedabad

The Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed at least 204 lives, including passengers and locals, highlights the Mayday call’s role in mobilizing rapid response. The plane’s impact on a medical college hostel added to the tragedy, with reports of 30–90 bodies recovered and 41 injured individuals treated. DNA testing was arranged to identify victims, and leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel coordinated relief efforts.

Misusing a Mayday call is a serious offense, as it diverts critical resources and endangers lives. In many countries, false distress calls can lead to hefty fines or imprisonment. Pilots are trained extensively to use the signal appropriately, as demonstrated by Captain Sabharwal’s swift action despite the catastrophic outcome.

Ahmedabad Incident Recalls Mayday Code

The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad underscores its importance, as the pilot’s Mayday call was the final alert before the aircraft’s devastating descent. Rooted in a century-old tradition, the term remains a universal cry for help, ensuring that emergencies are met with swift action. As investigations into the Ahmedabad crash continue, the Mayday call serves as a poignant reminder of the high stakes and human cost of aviation emergencies.

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