DNA match confirms identity of Pune crash victim

India Jun 20, 2025

After the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad on June 12, cabin crew member Irfan Shaikh has been officially identified using DNA from his brother's blood samples.
His family in Pune is now waiting to bring him home for his final rites.

Irfan worked with Vistara before joining Air India

Irfan grew up in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, where his dad runs a shop and his mom manages the household.
He started out as cabin crew with Vistara and moved to Air India after the airlines merged.
The crash claimed 241 lives on board and 29 on the ground—only one person survived.
So far, authorities have identified most victims and returned many remains to families.