Air India crash: His big dreams are now shattered, says uncle of crew member

Dubai: Irfan Samir Shaikh, one of the cabin crew members aboard the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, had big dreams. Those dreams now lie shattered, his grieving relative said.

The London-bound flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft went down near a complex adjacent to a medical college, claiming more than 265 lives.

Firoz Shaikh, the uncle of 22-year-old Irfan, told Indian media that his nephew always informed parents about his flight roster. “On Thursday, when news of the crash broke, his mother was devastated — she knew he was on that flight,” he said.

Irfan's parents and elder brother, who live in the Pimpri Chinchwad area near Pune, flew to Ahmedabad soon after hearing the news. "Authorities have collected blood samples from Irfan’s brother for DNA testing. The family is awaiting official confirmation and the return of his body,” Firoz added.

Irfan, who recently visited his home for Eid Al Adha, began his aviation career two years ago after completing a course. He initially worked with Vistara, and following the Air India–Vistara merger, he began flying international routes.

“Irfan had big dreams and was determined to succeed [in the industry]. But now, all those dreams are gone,” Firoz said.

Irfan’s father, Salim Shaikh, runs a shop, his mother is a homemaker, and his elder brother works at a software company.