The morning of June 12, 2025, brought an overwhelming wave of grief across the country as news of the Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad Airport broke. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, went down just minutes after takeoff, crashing into a nearby medical college hostel. Among the more than 240 lives lost in this tragic incident were two promising young cabin crew members from Manipur: Kongbrailakpam Nganthoi Sharma and Lamnunthem Singson.
Their loss has sent shockwaves not only through their home state but also across the entire Northeast region of India.
These young women had become symbols of aspiration and dedication for their communities—each carving her own path through determination, resilience, and the dream of flying.
Kongbrailakpam Nganthoi Sharma: A Dreamer from Thoubal:
At just 22 years old, Nganthoi Sharma hailed from Thoubal district in the Imphal Valley. Described by her friends and family as kind-hearted, ambitious, and deeply committed to her work, Nganthoi had always dreamed of a career in aviation. From a young age, she was drawn to the skies—not only as a source of freedom but also as a platform to serve and connect with people.
Nganthoi had joined Air India as a cabin crew member barely a year ago after completing her training in New Delhi. For her, it was more than just a job—it was a calling. Her parents recall how she would speak excitedly about each flight, describing the thrill of takeoff, the responsibility of ensuring passengers’ safety, and the quiet pride she felt wearing her uniform.
Her last communication with her family came at 9 a.m. on the day of the crash. According to her mother, Nganthoi had sounded cheerful and calm, mentioning her schedule and expressing hope of visiting home soon. That phone call now echoes in their memories as a heartbreaking final farewell.
Lamnunthem Singson: A Voice of Strength from Kangpokpi:
Lamnunthem Singson, 28, came from the conflict-affected district of Kangpokpi in Manipur. Her journey to becoming a flight attendant was anything but easy. In 2023, her family was displaced due to ethnic unrest in the region. Despite the upheaval and trauma, Lamnunthem chose not to give up on her dreams. Instead, she used adversity as a catalyst to push harder, eventually securing a position with Air India.
Her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, recalled that Lamnunthem had flown to Ahmedabad specifically to report for duty on Flight AI171. The evening before the tragedy, she had spoken to her family, expressing hope for a smooth flight and sending her love.
Known for her resilience and warmth, Lamnunthem was considered a beacon of inspiration by many young people in her hometown. Her life story had shown how courage and perseverance could shine through even the darkest of times.
A Nation Mourns, a State Grieves:
The crash of Flight AI171 has resulted in an unparalleled loss of life. With over 240 casualties, including passengers, pilots, and crew members, the incident stands as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history. For Manipur and the broader Northeast, the deaths of Nganthoi and Lamnunthem feel especially personal.
In Thoubal and Kangpokpi, communities gathered in silence as news of their deaths was confirmed. Candlelight vigils were held, with prayers offered and stories shared about the young women who had represented not just their families, but an entire generation of dreamers from the Northeast seeking to make their mark on the world.
Social media flooded with tributes. Former classmates, friends, and even strangers expressed sorrow and pride in equal measure. Political leaders from Manipur and beyond also offered condolences, calling for full investigations into the crash and better safety protocols for national carriers.
Remembering Their Service and Spirit:
Working as cabin crew members demands more than hospitality; it requires alertness, patience, and often, courage. Nganthoi and Lamnunthem embodied these qualities. They were not only safety officers at 35,000 feet, but ambassadors of hope—carrying the spirit of Manipur into the skies.
Colleagues who had flown with them spoke of their professionalism and warmth. “Nganthoi had this calm presence that instantly reassured passengers,” one senior attendant said. “And Lamnunthem was always ready to step in when someone needed help—her strength was unmatched.”
Their untimely demise has reminded the world that behind every uniform is a person with a story—one of struggle, aspiration, and sacrifice.
Air India’s Response and Ongoing Investigations:
In the aftermath of the crash, Air India released a statement expressing deep sorrow and offering support to the families of those lost. Emergency response teams have been working round the clock at the crash site, which became engulfed in flames and heavy smoke following the impact. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with black box recovery and forensic identification underway.
The Indian government has assured full assistance to the victims’ families and has called for a thorough inquiry into the incident. Compensation plans and memorial services are reportedly being planned for the deceased.
A Legacy of Light:
The loss of Kongbrailakpam Nganthoi Sharma and Lamnunthem Singson is not just a blow to their families or Manipur—it is a collective tragedy that has shaken a nation. Yet in their brief lives, these two young women left behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and grace.
As the country mourns, it also remembers. Their lives, though tragically cut short, will continue to inspire generations of Northeastern youth to dream bigger, fly higher, and hold on to hope even in the face of adversity.
