In the wake of the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which resulted in over 270 fatalities, actor and comedian Vir Das found himself embroiled in a social media debate after expressing his support for the airline.
Das initially posted on X (formerly Twitter) about his positive experience flying Air India from London, stating, "I flew Air India home from London. It was all great. The crew, happy to report, still the kindest in the sky." This tweet, however, drew criticism from some users, with one accusing the airline of engaging in a "lame PR stunt" in the aftermath of the devastating crash.
In response to the backlash, Vir Das defended his support for Air India, citing a "biased history" with the airline. In a now-deleted tweet, he explained that his grandfather had worked for Air India and acknowledged that the airline has its problems. However, he emphasized the exceptional quality of the crew, stating that "no crew will judge you less, welcome you more, and it's a shame that no one acknowledges their loss too in a tragedy. That warrants my support." He further elaborated that he had flown with many airlines but the crew of Air India are the best.
Despite his explanation, the criticism persisted, leading Das to eventually delete the tweet. The comedian had previously expressed his condolences to the families affected by the AI171 crash, while also highlighting his long-standing positive experiences with Air India crews.
The Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport en route to London Gatwick. The incident claimed the lives of almost all passengers and crew members.
Following the crash, Air India's CEO reassured the public of the airline's commitment to safety and support for the affected families. The airline has also provided assistance to the families of the victims, with numerous employees and representatives from other Tata companies present in Ahmedabad to offer help.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash. In the meantime, the tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about airline safety, corporate responsibility, and the role of social media in shaping public perception during times of crisis.
